Sonesta Beach's new general manager Stephan Amesoeder is optimistic about the Island's future as a high quality tourist destination.

He arrived in Bermuda last month and has been bowled over by the quality of life on the Island and the standards in Bermuda's hotels.

Having travelled widely throughout the Caribbean, he is convinced Bermuda, although more expensive, is in a different league from the islands further south.

"It's an absolutely fabulous Island. I have travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean and there is no comparison whatsoever in terms of standard of living, the cleanliness, and last but not least, the people,'' he said.

"Bermuda has so much to offer that I really hope that the tourism organisations and the hotels are able to market the Island as a premier vacation destination. It has to be a combined effort from everyone involved.

"Bermuda has something to offer when it comes to its beauty and infrastructure and we should be able to sell it so we can ask the higher rates.

"We can give people a real experience, and that means everyone in the Island pulling together.

"I don't think people get the feeling they are over-charged. They may say its more expensive than other areas, but I am sure they realise they are getting something in return, otherwise they would not return.

"Our repeat business shows we are not off the base when it comes to the rates we are charging.'' Mr. Amesoeder, 41, spent the last 12 years working for the Royal Sonesta in New Orleans.

He was born in Stuttgart, Germany, and began his career in Bavaria with the Steigenberger luxury hotel chain.

In 1985, he moved to Dallas, Texas, to work for the Sheraton group before joining Sonesta in New Orleans in 1988.

He got a brief taste of life on the Island during the summer when he worked for a few weeks at Sonesta and was delighted to be able to indulge his passion for scuba diving.

Mr. Amesoeder is married with two boys, aged two and three-and-a-half. His wife and children are still in New Orleans but will join him next month.

He replaces John Murtha, who moved to the Royal Sonesta in Boston, as general manager with responsibility for the day to day running of the hotel.

Mr. Amesoeder told The Royal Gazette he is happy with the condition of the Sonesta, which is undergoing maintenance work during the winter low season.

And having sampled the food at some of his competitors, he believes Sonesta fares well.

"It is a really beautiful property and a good size. In terms of service I am happy to say we are up there with the best and the food quality is exceptional.'' Mr. Amesoeder believes good staff are the key to success, and he has a simple philosophy when it comes to getting the best out of his workers.

"I believe that you should treat the staff with the respect you expect them to show to customers. If you don't treat your employees well, how can you expect them to treat customers well?'' he said.

Glad to be here: Sonesta General Manager Stephen Amesoeder.

BUSINESS BUC