The team were lucky enough to interview Joeri Nuijten, General Manager of Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam as he shares his journey in the hospitality industry, from his humble beginnings as a waiter to his current role as the hotel's leader. He highlights the importance of passion, innovation, and investing in oneself for a successful career in hospitality.

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Tell us about yourself and your experience in the Hospitality Industry

When I was 16, I began my journey in the hospitality industry, initially as a waiter at a restaurant. A year later, I transitioned to a Michelin-starred establishment, both fine dining and high-class restaurants are something I really loved and continue to enjoy. Following this, I had two internships as a student, first at a wine company and then at a hotel which is where was the beginning of my career in the hotel sector. While the conventional path led to Hotel School, I opted for a different adventure, working on a cruise ship to learn more about who I was, what my skills were and explore a distinct set of challenges.  

I worked on two contracts on cruise ships, aboard the world’s most expensive cruise company at the time, catering to an elite clientele. Returning to the Netherlands, I continued honing my skills in Michelin-starred restaurants. After three years, my journey led me to a conference centre, where I worked as the Operational F&B Manager. After considering a career in Dubai I instead decided to stay in Volendam where I was for 7 months, but quickly knew this was not right for me, I then transitioned to Bilderberg Scheveningen, working as an F&B Manager. Within 13 months, I progressed to Bilderberg Amsterdam, where I was responsible, among other things, for the well knowed restaurant De Kersentuin. In 2009 I eventually become the General Manager of one of the Bilderberg Hotels. My journey continued with the integration of Fletcher Hotels, which took over the hotel from Bilderberg in 2019. From August 2023 I joined the Amrâth family.  

What made you choose to pursue a career in hospitality?

Even when I was about 10 or 11, I remember saying to my parents how I wanted to work in a restaurant as I did not know anything about hotels at the time. I grew up in a very small town in the South of the Netherlands, which is where I started my career in hospitality working in local restaurants. I like being with people, being busy and ensuring everyone has a great time and it is the same with working in hotels.  

What is the best business advice you’ve ever received?

When you plan the dive, you dive the plan.

What is your favourite part of your job?

That is difficult because I really like several facets. But if I had to choose, it would be managing guest and employee experiences. That is indeed comprehensive, but it does capture the essence of why I wanted to become a hotelier. Go for it together with your team and you achieve results that give the guest more than a 9+ experience.

Outside of Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam, what is your favourite hotel in the Netherlands or Europe?

I don't really have a favourite hotel. When I book a hotel privately, it is more important that the hotel has a soul, that they work with passion and that you feel it. It is often the little things that can make the difference.

What do you think are some of the key opportunities and challenges that will impact the hotel industry in 2024?

In addition to the political affairs going on here (think of the policy of the municipality of Amsterdam, but also the outcome of the elections) technological innovations and skilled employees are the first things that come to mind. I think that we as a hotel industry should embrace technological innovations and make much more use of them. That can also help us in certain matters such as guest experience. For years we have prided ourselves on the fact that hospitality is truly a people business, and that is true, but we can use these innovations and benefit from them. These innovations can also help us to reduce the administrative tasks for colleagues so that they can really care about the guest, making it more fun and exciting.

What do you find really exciting about the hotel industry right now?

Finding and retaining the right employees who enjoy meeting the guest's latent needs and radiate this.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in the hotel industry?

We can teach you everything, but hospitality must be in you. If you do not like that or if you do not like dealing with people, choose another sector. You can make the difference. It is precisely by investing in yourself that you can make a difference. Dare to make mistakes and admit them. Everyone makes mistakes, but how you deal with them and solve them is crucial. And be honest with yourself, your colleagues and certainly also with your guest. Do not make promises you cannot keep.