Sanjeev Satgainya

Kathmandu

Born and brought up in Austria, a beautiful country and renowned for its hospitality industry worldwide, Kalus Russo became a hotelier in his early childhood, a hotelier by default. “My father was a businessman and my mother used to run a hotel. It was fun working in the hotel since childhood and I still remember carrying suitcases bigger than me, provided good tips...,” laughs Russo.

Russo did his Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering from the University of Vienna and followed it up with a diploma and a business administration degree from the same institute. Starting his career in Vienna, he later moved to Australia. “Everything had to be started from scratch and most importantly it was a new culture, new people and a whole new environment but it is always fun in the hotel industry and learning process because everyday we meet new and different people.”

Russo has worked for many hotels in different parts of the world. “No doubt that lots of changes have appeared, especially in the management sector. In those days, personality mattered the most whereas today management is driven by consensus. A manager has to be innovative in ideas with end results, people-to-people and

employee-to-employee approach has been implemented more and since competition

has grown drastically, performance-based management has dominated the scene.”

Since this is Russo’s first stint in Nepal, he feels that he has to learn more, “especially the language and culture. But still what I know is that Nepal has tremendous potential to attract tourists and is one of the best tourist destinations. Hotel industry has a very good future here.”

The situation in the Capital was not very convivial when he landed but Russo sounds optimistic, “I am that kind of a person who always looks at a glass as half full. There is always a better tomorrow and Nepal’s hills, scenic beauty, Chitwan’s sensation, trekking opportunities — all add more value to this country.”

Russo has held senior executive positions in high profile properties in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, American Samoa, etc.

A career in hotel industry has always been a lucrative one. “There are times when I might have felt that the money I am making in one month could

be made in one day but it’s different. It’s passion and love. Many might say it’s unsocial business — working seven days a week but still it gives much pleasure — there are opportunities of meeting new people every day, a variety of culture, ethnicity and nature and tradition — all are inspiring.”

“It makes you learn and it makes you confident and pays too. The only thing that you need if you want to pursue in this field is dedication, innovation and be people-loving.”