Hotel operations in Lithuania are normalized and visitors are coming to the Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center in healthy numbers, according to General Manager Sigita Rudzeviciene.
While consequences from both the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine have been felt globally, Rudzeviciene said Lithuania is a safe country to visit despite initial fears about travel to the region. On a daily basis, Rudzeviciene said her goal is to provide the best hotel experience "for the new world of business travel so guests can pursue their personal and professional passions."
As part of that, she said she feels a responsibility to rebuild confidence in the hospitality labor force. To attract talent, her property is working closely with local colleagues, universities and schools in Vilnius and the region.
To learn more about the Courtyard by Marriott Vilnius City Center, read through this email Q&A with General Manager Sigita Rudzeviciene.
What's the inspiration behind the building's architecture?
The Courtyard Vilnius City Center has exceptional design and architectural expression. What is interesting is that this one-of-a-kind external shape of our building results from architectural limitations. The design concept had to accommodate the fact that we could not construct a tall building in the corner of the land plot — so the architects needed to be creative, and they came up with a design approach that looks like the hotel is suspended in the air.
The interior was created by Scott Brownrigg, an international interior design studio based in London. Designers were inspired by Lithuanian nature. The interior’s predominant pastel colors of the sea, nature, scorched gray wood and sand, as a soft lining, soften the building’s contrasting interior architecture. Those who look around the hotel will also notice the subtle Lithuanian symbols such as the stylized graphics of straw gardens in the paintings of the rooms, and the motifs of national ornaments on the carpets. Pastel colors and dynamic metal constructions create a perfect balance of lightness and space, both in the hotel’s stylish rooms and the contemporary Solt restaurant and public areas.
How would you describe current demand levels?
We can gladly say that demand levels are reaching and even exceeding 2019 levels. There is strong influx of business travelers, who are our primary guests, as well as high interest in meetings and events. Since May, during the summer months, the hotel enjoyed continuously high occupancy levels. It is fantastic for the team to see and to feel the vibe of a full hotel again!
Which packages, attractions have your guests enjoyed most?
I like to quote our guests here: They often say that Vilnius is the ultimate hidden gem in Europe, positively surprising first-time visitors. The lack of crowds combined with the overflowing charm of the city makes it a place all savvy travelers should add to their bucket list. It is the only European city where one can fly in a hot air balloon directly over old town. Balloons actually take off five minutes from our hotel; therefore, our guests’ favorite package includes a hot air balloon flight over the city. Another very popular option is a visit to a real prison, converted into museum just two years ago, which was a filming location for the "Stranger Things" series. The majority of our cherished guests have always been international business travelers, who will find here perfect ambiance to pursue their professional goals.
Has the war on Ukraine affected travel to Lithuania?
First and foremost, let me say that this sad situation has had grave humanitarian, socioeconomic and global impacts. The consequences are being seen globally. Having said that, Lithuania is a safe country to visit and after initial uncertainty about travel to the region, now the perception of travelers reflects this. Business operations are going back to normal, after the pandemic and travelers are coming to Vilnius in healthy numbers.
What goals do you have for your team and property in 2023?
Our daily goal is very simple: Be better today than you were yesterday. On a daily basis, we strive to provide the best hotel experience for the new world of business travel so guests can pursue their personal and professional passions. For 2023, we have sky-high ambitions to be the best guest-rate Courtyard hotel in the entire world.
How does the labor environment in Lithuania compare to the United States?
What the hospitality industry has been through in terms of the impact on our people and job security has been the single hardest aspect of the pandemic. In many respects, the reputation of the industry as being ever-growing and a safe place to build a career was shaken by the pandemic, so we must rebuild confidence.
Like our industry peers, we've had some labor challenges where there has been a fast rebound in demand. To attract talent, we are working closely with local colleagues, universities and schools in Vilnius and the region. I am also the teacher at one of the hospitality colleges, and by spreading my passion about the hotel business, I am trying to encourage the students to consider a career in hospitality. Of course, one element of this is about offering competitive wages and benefits. But differentiating our careers is also about highlighting our values as a company, the potential for growth and developing a career that can take you all over the world, and how we respect our associates and take care of our communities. The intangibles are important, and they'll continue to set us apart — and we have nearly 95 years of people-first culture to showcase, which certainly is an advantage.
What's one piece of advice you have for other leaders?
The hospitality industry is all about people caring for people. I would advise to always put the team at the center of everything you do. Genuinely listening to people in your team and being able provide the needed tools and resources to make them feel good and productive is what will foster a caring culture in your company. And this culture will then be felt by all your guests and customers.