With over 20 years experience in the hospitality sector, Raphael Herzog hardly needs introduction. He is passionate about promoting and developing the hospitality and tourism industry in Bristol, as well as attracting young people to a career of hospitality.
As chairman of the Bristol Hoteliers Association, he has been a vocal advocate for the extension of the reduced rate of VAT for the industry, he has welcomed the introduction of short-term visas for EU workers to alleviate the staff shortages faced by many hotels and bars in Bristol and he has arranged the annual Night of the Stars gala events which celebrates and rewards the contributions of individuals, teams and hotels in the hospitality sector in Bristol. He is also the general manage of the De Vere Tortworth Court hotel in South Gloucestershire.
I’ve been wanting to catch up with Raphael for a while now, so when he agreed to take part in our ‘Getting to Know’ series I was very excited.
What does your Monday morning routine look like?
It really depends. There is no real routine on a Monday as it depends on what happened over the weekend! Lots to catch up on, checking revenue, guest satisfaction, looking at the week ahead, checking rates – making sure everything is in line with demand, catching up with key people. Lots of time spent on reports, but also communicating with people – all after a cup of coffee to get me going, and another before I start opening emails!
If you could time travel and have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Well, I love my football and obviously, coming from France, I would have to pick a French player so I would want to go back to 1998 when the French won the World Cup and speak to Zinedine Zidane.
What are you currently reading?
I’m not a big reader of books and can’t really remember when last I picked up a book and read it in full but I do read the news online, look at hospitality publications online, and I love the Stock Exchange so will read up on that or on technology – lots of different articles but not books.
Beach vacation, mountain getaway or city escape?
I think it’s a mix, but my favourite holidays have always been skiing holidays, so I would have to say mountain! I love the fresh air. The freedom. You’re with family and friends, but at the same time on your own – it’s fantastic.
What’s a skill you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t had the chance to yet?
My wife will tell me it’s DIY because I’m rubbish at it, but it is actually something I would really love to be able to do!
What’s your favourite season and what do you love about it?
I think I touched on that when I said my favourite holiday is skiing! I love winter when it’s cold and dry with blue skies. Frost in the morning. Minus figures…
What’s your favourite way to unwind and de-stress?
I love socialising, so going out to friends. The other thing I do is football coaching for my son’s U12 team. It’s my Wednesday thing. I leave work a little bit earlier to go and do coaching and then afterwards I play myself. I need that for my mental health. If I don’t do it, it makes me a bit unhappy for a week or so.
Share a quote or motto that inspires you or by which you live your life.
I think after Covid-19 I realised how important it is to treat people the way that you want to be treated. The other thing is that you are the only person setting the limits on what you want to achieve.
If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be and why?
Oh, that’s a tough one! I’d like to be able to go back in time, but more than that I’d like to be able to instantly transport from one place to another. To avoid having to spend time travelling. I would like to be able to just click my fingers and I’m where I need to be!
What is your favourite holiday memory from childhood?
I was fortunate as a kid. My parents took me around to quite a few different places. One of my biggest memories are of a vacation to the Maldives. I love swimming and it was a paradise – like swimming inside an aquarium. It was amazing.
What job is the favourite you’ve ever had and what made it so special?
(after thinking about it for a bit) I think, to be honest about it, that it would have to be the current one! (GM of the De Vere Tortworth Court). I’ve seen so many things change within the property and the team – we have a fantastic team – they’re what makes me come to work every day.
What is your favourite food/drink product on the market right now and why?
I don’t really have a favourite product, but I love the idea of sharing. I love the trend of small plates, the social aspect of it! So Spanish, French, Italian and even Asian sharing platters.
With skiing being your favourite holiday activity, is there a specific holiday destination that’s your favourite?
We’re very fortunate, because we’ve got a place that we go to with the family all the time. My in-laws have a chalet in the French Alps that my wife’s grandmother built decades ago. It’s nice because it’s always a family reunion and it’s where the kids learnt to ski. I’ve got great memories from all the times spent there and sharing with loved ones.
What would you do if you weren’t in the food, drink & hospitality industry?
There’s two things! I would work in the Stock Exchange/stock market. I really like numbers and I like the trading aspect of it. On a personal level I would love to coach football at a higher level because I really love it and could spend time on the pitch any time of the day!
Anyone interested in finding out more about other opportunities to support the Night of the Stars should email info@bristol-hoteliers.co.uk and you can connect with Raphael on LinkedIn.
I had such a great time getting to know a bit more about Raphael and hope you enjoyed the extra insight you’ve gained on him too!