MACAU—Looking to further enhance its reputation as a family destination, the Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central recently launched a Junior Hotelier program for children.
The initiative—which is expected to run through June 28—is designed to give four- to 12-year-old kids the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of how to run a hotel.
Kai Petry, general manager of hotel operations, Sheraton Macao Hotel, Cotai Central, talked about the inspiration for the weekend program. “The family market is very important, and a key differentiator for us… Our kids’ programs have always revolved around combining education and fun together and, now, with Junior Hotelier, we can bring ‘edutainment’ to new heights,” he said.
Petry noted the hotel initially started out with a Junior Chef concept and then developed three other areas: Junior Barman, Junior Housekeeper and Junior Guest Agent to create a full-fledged Junior Hotelier program. Participants receive guidance from the hotel’s culinary, front desk and housekeeping teams.
For example, Chef de Partie Richard Lao leads the Junior Chefs in rolling and shaping dough, preparing icing and decorating cookies. The expert barmen have young trainees taste ingredients as they teach them to how to create shaken and layered mocktails. Junior agents discover how to check in guests and handle luggage, as well as learn the importance of guest relations by setting up a room for a special celebration. The housekeeping staff will teach towel-folding techniques to create different animals and stylish displays, plus demonstrate how to make up a Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed. To perform their duties, kids wear special Junior Hotelier uniforms consisting of job-appropriate apparel, such as a chef’s apron, chef’s hat and housekeeping apron.
Each Junior Chef, Junior Barman, Junior Agent and Junior Housekeeper will receive a certificate at the end of his or her selected activity and collect a stamp on his or her Sheraton Macao Hotel Junior Hotelier Passport. A Sheraton Macao Junior Hotelier who completes all four activities will collect all four passport stamps, plus receive an “I am a Sheraton Macao Junior Hotelier” t-shirt; a Sheraton bear; a DreamWorks bag; and an animal photo frame. Participants are also welcome to purchase Junior Hotelier uniforms from each activity.
Petry noted that the aim of the program—which costs $20 for single daily sessions and $30 for weekend sessions—is to have 15 children per day sign up. “We do think this program will definitely attract even more families to our hotel specifically on weekends, during school holidays and festive holiday periods,” he said. Petry further added, “There is already a big buzz about the program here locally in Macau, so we expect families based here to visit us, too.”
Petry explained that the program is not necessarily designed to create future hotel workers per se. “We are, however, very confident that children and parents alike will enjoy taking a behind-the-scenes look at how inspirational and exciting the world of hospitality is,” he said.
And, while Petry touted the benefits of the program to guests, he insisted there were benefits for the property itself as well. “From the simulation exercises, which we held before the launch of the program, we can already see how rewarding and motivating it is for our own facilitating team to see the happy, cheerful and proud faces of our Junior Hoteliers once they complete their training and are awarded their new title,” he said.
Petry reiterated the mission of the Junior Hotelier program for the Sheraton Macao. “Our main objective is to implement this program as a unique selling point, and add value to the family experience to strengthen our position as the leading family hotel in Macau,” he said.
—Dennis Nessler