Millennium Seoul Hilton: 'Always on the Move, Looking Forward'
- Seasoned new G.M. promotes Korea and his hotel, example of foreign investment

Foreign investment has emerged as one of the top issues on the minds of government policy-makers as well as businessmen, as the participatory government has come up with diverse steps to develop Korea as an economic hub of Northeast Asia and explore new industrial growth engines that will keep Korea enjoying a sustainable growth in the next 10 years or more.

As far as it comes to foreign investment, Bernhard Brender, who was recently appointed as the general manager of the Millennium Seoul Hilton, may be one of the foreigners who have exerted themselves to promote Korea and his hotel.

Brender is a time-honored top hotelier, well versed in things Korean as he has been with Korea's deluxe international hotels for 14 years. The German general manager said in an interview with NewsWorld, "We support 684 rooms in the industry, pay our taxes and give jobs to the people.  The Millennium Seoul Hilton Owner, "CDL" is one example  of foreign investors coming to Korea." "They already have trust, and we altogether have the responsibility to protect properties and stimulate the industry," he said.

The Millennium Seoul Hilton is poised to gain new momentum as the hotel, acquired by CDL Hotel Korea, an investment company from Singapore, was rebranded from Seoul Hilton to the current name Jan. 1 this year.

"We prepare for the future, our employees are fully engaged in doing their best in helping guests. We never stand still, on the move, going in the right direction," he said.

The Millennium Seoul Hilton is scheduled to make its first-time road show in Los Angeles on Nov. 16 and New York on Nov. 18 to promote itself and the local industry.

The Korea National Tourism Organization (KNTO) promotes Korea and tries to lure foreign investors to invest in the various Korean industries. The KNTO has invited Bernhard Brender to help promote Korea and its local industries. Mr. Brender added, "I will also be giving a one-hour presentation to attract foreign investors to Korea." During the road show, he said, Korean things like gimchi and makkoli, traditional Korean liquor, would be promoted. He said he would tell his hotel's foreign investors that Korea can offer many things like Jeju, a pristine, untouched island of sea and mountains.

Korea has four seasons, making it accessible all year round, said Brender, adding that the Millennium Seoul Hilton is capitalizing on skiing in the winter. "We have guests going to Cheonma-san, Yongpyeong and Muju resorts. It adds another angle in promoting opportunities to attract foreigners." "Because of my upbringing and being a part of the US. National Ski Patrol, the winter season is my favorite," said Brender, adding that Korea is a golden country with great investment opportunities in Korea's hotel and tourism industry for foreigners. He was born in the hilly Black Forest mountains in a tiny village called Muenstertal, Germany, famous for mountain climbing and skiing in the winter. Brender said he would tell the road show that Korea is a dynamic country at the heart of Asia, adding that Korea is rising, with the rise of the Japanese economy.

As a true leader in the hotel industry, he said his hotel instills trust in service and product for people. Despite the current sluggish economy, Brender said the Millennium Seoul Hilton will reach its given goals and objectives for this year, while building a strong foundation for the year to come in 2005 and beyond. In contrast to the slowing overall economy, he said, the hotel is doing well, with a 85 percent occupancy rate in the recent months, a popular season.

The Millennium Seoul Hilton, the premier executive hotel in the heart of business and entertainment districts in Seoul, boasts of one of Korea's largest convention centers, competing with COEX's convention center. Brender acknowledged a plan to upgrade the convention center so the hotel can accommodate two weddings at the same time, saying, "We have new opportunities for quality and high-yield conferences and meetings." He said various concerts from popular singers, for example, can hold up to 4,000 theater style seats, while fashion shows and new car exhibitions will be also held.

"For the remainder of this year and the first half of 2005, we have large banquet events booked for local organizations like the Korean Ophthamological Society, the Korean Orthopaedic Association and the Korean Society of Hypertension, as well as international organizations such as FAVA Congress 2004 and APARI."

"Careful spending is seen across all levels of society. Regardless of the economy, if a hotel earns a reputation for serving quality products and services, there is always an upturn business to be expected," he said.

The just-ended Oktoberfest, a German-style draft beer festival, and  the upcoming train during the Christmas season are a few of the symbolic, representative fixtures the hotel holds every year. "The lighting of the Xmas tree on Nov. 21 is an especially great opportunity to bring families and children to the hotel for the declaration of the start of the Christmas season, Brender said. The Gingerbread house in the lobby is another traditional way for the community  to bring the first Xmas greetings and souvenirs to the hotel," he said.

"The very popular Pudding Club, created by Brender's predecessor Timothy Soper and wife Kim, will be held again on Nov. 24. This is very traditional and builds curiosity about cross culture eating habits. It is like a playhouse with fun, music, play and great fellowship for all nationalities," he said.

The top hotelier did not forget to mention the hotel's F&B outlets, rated to be one of the best in Seoul. He said Seasons, with famous Executive Chef Park Hyo-nam, leads the culinary field. Cilantro & Palm Court, with its California touch of calmness and fitness is shifting toward a Caffeccino. Taipan and Genji offer a unique Pan Asian trend, which is in high demand and in fashion with the open kitchens and live stations. Orangerie is still the biggest crowd-pleasing outlet amongst them all, he said. Brender has been on the road since 1963, honing his expertise while working exclusively in the hotel and tourism industry in 10 countries across four continents. He earned his extensive experience with international hotels like the Sonesta, Carlton, InterContinental, Sheraton and the Westin.

What kept Bernhard for so long since 1991 was his love for the people of Korea.

Among his career in Korea is his eight years working relationship with CEO and President Jay Han and the dedicated team at the Grand Sheraton Walker Hill. He was also given the noble task to manage the Hotel Westin Chosun in Seoul and Busan, under the Starwood umbrella, prior to coming to the Millennium Seoul Hilton.

He is happily married to Mutati Diaz Brender, an Indonesian woman, and is blessed with two daughters, Luisa and Alexandra.   nw