Midweek Interview with Christian Hirt, General Manager, Swissotel Sydney

Midweek Interview with Christian Hirt, General Manager, Swissotel Sydney
By admin


The challenge for the industry is…. Meeting the increasing need for unrivalled customer service, which has developed from a growing competitiveness within the industry. For us, the comfort and happiness of our guests is, and always will be, paramount.

The things I like about my job are… Receiving great feedback from guests, traveling to exciting global destinations and meeting new people at some of the world’s most iconic properties.

And the frustrations… Not having enough time to spend actually engaging with our varied leisure and corporate guests.

If I didn’t work in travel I would be a… A professional golfer, like German golfer Martin Kaymer. I’m ok, but I would love to play to a professional standard.

Qantas or Virgin? I will let you know after I fly with Virgin 🙂

My proudest moment was… When my two-year-old son first told me “Papa, I Love You.”

The naughtiest thing I ever did was…  My best ever kept secret…

I try to relax by… Taking a Sunday walk with my family along the ocean, sharing fish and chips or salted caramel ice cream. The coastline around Sydney is really amazing.

The last time I feared for my life… Was when I was in the passenger seat of a racing car while the driver was flying around the Grand Prix circuit in Abu Dhabi.

If I can, I always try to avoid… Being out of control of a situation

I really wish I had… More time to watch and play sports

The best advice I’ve ever received was… To tell it straight, and give honest feedback

I don’t understand why… Some people hold themselves back from achieving their full potential.

My greatest weakness is… Indulging in food – from fine dining to barbecues.

And my greatest strength… Is my passion for everything I do in life.

If I was prime minister I would… Make childcare and medical assistance more accessible.

If I won $1 million on the lottery I would… Spend a year traveling round the world with my family, making memories.

If I could be someone else for one day I would be… Professional German Formula One racing driver, Sebastian Vettel, racing around the track!

I’ve always wanted to travel to… Hawaii – I’m hoping to go there in August. As a German European, Hawaii is usually very far away!

My favourite holiday was… In Miami with my wife of three years, Yulia. We had a blast! It was hip, chic and fun!

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