Travel talk with Hilton Shanghai GM
Print Edition
NAME/NATIONALITY: Gerd Knaust/German
Profession/Title: Hotelier/Hotel General Manager, Hilton Shanghai
How often do you travel?
Every few months
Favorite traveling style?
This really depends on the amount of time I have. To maximize my time at the destination I would fly, but I would also take a train to take in the scenery and experience more of the location.
Q: What do you always do after returning from a trip?
A: I would do as I imagine anyone would: Unpack and shower! More seriously, I would also reflect on my experience of the trip, on what I have gained from it.
Q: What do you search for during a trip?
A: An authentic experience and a contrast from my daily busy commercial life in Shanghai. I have been fortunate in my business life to have travelled in luxury to many exciting destinations around the world, but I actually like nothing more than to have a “lived experience” in the location I am visiting. As a trained chef I am naturally biased towards exploring local cuisines and never tire of tasting new dishes and flavors. I enjoy meeting local people and discovering the hidden gems of not only restaurants but also landmarks and landscapes.
Q: What do you always pack?
A: A good book.
Q: What is your preferred airline?
A: As a member of Star Alliance, I would generally use an airline in this program depending on my destination. So returning to Germany, it would be Lufthansa.
Q: Do you have any tips about seating on a flight?
A: Being a very tall person I am looking for lots of legroom and I actually find premium-economy class on most airlines meets my needs well.
Q: Best in-flight meal or activity?
A: A good sleep. I tend to eat before I fly and not on the plane.
Q: How do you get over jet lag?
A: Having traveled for many years I do what most do... on long-haul flights, I adjust my time to the local destination as soon as I board, keep well hydrated and eat only light meals whilst traveling.
Q: What are your favorite hotels? What makes these hotels so memorable?
A: I enjoy hotels that have an interesting architectural and interior design. Of course I am always interested in new and innovative restaurant concepts and in-room developments.
Q: What do you value most when choosing a hotel?
A: Actually I value “value.” At Hilton we have opportunities with multiple brands to select a hotel that can meet a variety of different needs. I am equally as happy in a Double Tree as I am in a Waldorf Astoria. Of course, if I am seeking something extra special for an occasion I would value quality, service and experience above all else especially if it is for my wife.
Q: What hotels do you look forward to staying at in the future?
A: Hotels where I can gain a unique experience... or ones where I can learn something professionally.
Q: Can you recommend one of your favorite destinations. Why was it so special?
A: Niseko Village, a ski resort in Japan. It’s a fun and exciting place to be especially in winter with the lightest powder snow you can find anywhere. It’s a real winter wonderland.
Q: What do you shop for when you travel?
A: A personal quest whilst traveling is to buy actually nothing, as I do not enjoy shopping, nor need many of the souvenir items on offer. A must, however, is to bring back some local samples of biscuits for my team.
Q: What do you do upon arriving at your destination?
A: It is always great to get out and see something of the location where you stay. I may have researched in advance a place to visit or eat or otherwise it’s great to simply venture out and start discovering.
Q: Where are you planning to go next and why?
A: I plan to take family visiting from Europe to Chengdu to experience the capital city of Sichuan Province, and then to Xi’an to witness some of China’s ancient past. Naturally the terracotta warriors will be included.
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