So impressed by the warm Cebuanos and their hospitable nature during his first visit in 2014, new Radisson Blu Cebu general manager Laurent Boisdron said he seized the opportunity when the post became available early this year.

“The timing was perfect when I arrived in March. I witnessed the launch of direct flights from Los Angeles and Dubai to Cebu,” he said during a recent event welcoming him to his new post. He shares the optimism that the tourism industry in Cebu is poised for even more growth.

Six weeks into his new post at Radisson Blu Cebu and the hotel is already poised to launch new campaigns in the next few months. Boisdron said they will come out with a different wedding concept for June and plan to refurbish Feria and other dining outlets of the hotel by July.

Laurent Boisdron Fabien Martinez
NEW MANAGERS. New Radisson Blu Cebu general manager Laurent Boisdron (seated) and hotel manager Fabien Martinez. (Photo: Radisson Blu)

Selfie station

“Just recently, we grabbed the attention of millennials with our selfie station by the front desk. We want them to take more selfies so they can spread word about Radisson Blu,” he said.

Another addition to the team is Fabien Martinez, the new hotel manager who brings with him a vast experience of 22 years. Martinez said he joined the Radisson Blu team in late February from Shanghai.

Boisdron, a French-American, replaced former Radisson Blu general manager Nishan Silva.

Before his assignment in Cebu, Boisdron handled corporate responsibilities at the Carlson Rezidor Worldwide head office in Minneapolis, USA. He provided support and strategic leadership for the group’s owned and managed hotels, which include Radisson Blu, a press statement said.

Radisson empanada
FAVORITE. The empanada, a favorite among regulars, was among the fares served during the welcome cocktails.

Hospitality industry experience

Boisdron has 22 years of experience in the hospitality industry, a blend of urban and resort experience in acclaimed properties and renowned brands in key cities of Europe like Barcelona, Paris, London, and Brussels; Chicago, Boston, Miami in the US; and Dubai in the Middle East.

Martinez, a French national, possesses a culinary background as he started as an executive chef before going on to become head of food and beverage in award-winning resorts and hotels. He is not entirely new to Cebu, as he has served as executive sous chef for a top resort in Mactan in 2001.

He left his post as interim general manager of Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel in China to take up the hotel manager post in Radisson Blu.

radisson welcome cocktail
WELCOME TREAT. Radisson’s new managers were introduced in a cocktail reception.

Marlen is the editor of MyCebu.ph and co-founder of Cebu-based journalism startup InnoPub Media.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *