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New Sheraton Pattaya GM meets the Press
Tomo Kuriyama.
Dr. Iain Corness
The new GM for the Sheraton Pattaya Resort is Tomo Kuriyama, an
interesting young man who was born in Tokyo, but who emigrated to Hawaii
with his parents when he was seven years old.
A press party was held in one of the Sheraton’s villas to allow the members
of the media access to the new GM, whilst nibbling on some very special hors
d’oeuvres from the Sheraton kitchen, put together by their very inventive
chef Spencer Kells. The duck with “Asian” guacamole certainly got my vote!
Tomo’s journey with Starwood started at Sheraton Maui at the Front Office
and led him through F&B until he was promoted to assume the position of
director of rooms at Sheraton Waikiki. Tomo joined Sheraton Grande
Sukhumvit, a luxury collection hotel, Bangkok in 2010 and was most recently
hotel manager.
Tomo says about the future of hotel business: “It will be interesting to see
the hotel business evolve with technology. People will utilize digital but
still expect the personal interaction and hotels will need to adjust to find
the right balance.”
As for cultural management: “I believe open communication can overcome
cultural differences. Good leaders don’t manage people, but they manage
people’s hearts,” Tomo said.
Sheraton Pattaya Resort’s
management team (L to R) Spencer Kells, Director - Culinary & Service; Prin
Pathanatham, Director of Sales & Marketing; Tomo Kuriyama, New General
Manager; Rojjana Franzke, Executive Assistant Manager; and Thanaphat
Chakkaphak, Marketing Communications Manager.
GM Tomo Kuriyama (2nd left)
welcomes the Pattaya Mail team of Tony Malhotra (left), Peter Malhotra (2nd
right) and Dr. Ian Corness (right) to the press meet and greet party.
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Agricultural Adventure through Mountain Biking
Park Adventure Land
Spread out over 800 acres, Park Adventure Land is an agriculture adventure
farm hidden in a valley. With abundant land and endless swamp, visitors can
have a pleasant eco-adventure by mountain biking along the bike trails.
The best way to tour around this agriculture land is by bicycling. The Park
Adventure Land’s staff will lead you along the paved bike route, introducing
you to big Flame Trees that branch out beautifully into the sky and the
birds flying here and there. After cycling for a while, the smell of rubber
will greet your nose, confirming that you have reached the rubber farm. The
journey continues to fruit farms where you can enjoyably pick various kinds
of delicious fruits. Also along with way is another attraction, the Rusa
Deer Farm.
Alternatively, you can take another bike route to test your strength. This
trail is made especially for mountain bike lovers. Through this trail, you
will cycle pass palm farms, hearing the sound of a natural water source,
appreciating the green scenery from both sides. You can climb up into a tree
house to enjoy the view from a higher perspective.
Next, you will see a weir, aged nearly 50 years old. From natural resources
like mountain and rain, water confined here is used in the daily life of the
local residents. You can take a break here and refresh yourself with the
water from this weir. You might also see kids swimming there as if it is a
natural swimming pool in the middle of the peaceful valley.
The relationship between human beings and nature here is incredibly charming
and leaves wonderful footprints in your hearts.
Know Before You Go
Not only the beauty of nature, you will get to enjoy, but exercise and learn
more about agriculture, as well as closely experience the lifestyle of the
locals here.
Recommendation: Try paddling inflatable canoes in the big lake in front of
the colonial clubhouse.
Travel Info: From Bangkok, take Highway 7 (Motorway) and turn into Ban Bueng
- Klaeng. Follow Highway 344 to Ban Bueng district, then turn right into
Highway 3 (Sukhumvit). Once reaching Km. 248, turn right to Highway 3320.
Then, turn left and continue along Kaset Siri Road Soi 3 and drive further
for approximately 3 km.
GPS Location: N12° 45.458’, E101° 26.989’
Contact: The Park Adventure Land, +66 2712 3581; +668 6970 8877; www.
theparkadventure.com
Facilities & Services: Mountain bikes, rubber boats, tour guides,
accommodation, toilets, restaurants, swimming pool and Internet. (TAT)
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