Jeju Shinwha World Resort implements Mizzisoft

from Hotelier Indonesia Magazine

Edition 34

www.hotelier-indonesia.com

Mizzisoft, the developer of a leading cloud-based Workforce Management System helped Jeju Shinhwa (Korea) revolutionize their workforce management through implementation of a solution that included planning, rostering, time & attendance to final payroll for more than 1000 employees. This has allowed Jeju Shinhwa, one of Korea’s largest Integrated Resorts to upgrade their manpower processes from an antiquated system to an easy to use web based solution.

Jeju Shinhwa World is an exciting and prestigious world-class integrated resort located in the south-western part of Jeju Island, developed by Landing Jeju Development Co., Ltd. which is incorporated by Landing International Development Limited.

Jeju Shinhwa World will be one of South Korea’s speculative integrated resorts, spanning across a land area of approximately 2.5 million square meters and a total investment of $US 1.8 billion (2 trillion) Korean won development. Jeju Shinhwa World has premium leisure and entertainment facilities which cater to local and overseas visitors of all ages.

The Challenge

Jeju Shinhwa wanted to improve it’s data management for its many of employees through the processes of  Payroll, Timekeeping, Employee check schedules, and paychecks.  They wanted one integrated system to manage all their workforce throughout the organization.

Being a Korean company, they needed a multilingual system capable of addressing the language needs of local Korean staff, as well as expat managers.  “Along with simply offering a Korean language option, the system must be flexible enough to address Korea’s unique business culture,” says Dennis Murro, Director of Workforce Scheduling  for Shinhwa World. 

Resort management also realized it needed a better way to manage its constantly changing staffing requirements and employee schedules across multiple assignments locations. They had been scheduling more than 1000 employees every week using mostly manual processes, on paper and spreadsheets. Employee tracking was an arduous task, even pulling up individual employee schedules was difficult.  They needed to simplify the process, allowing them to easily assign the proper employees to the proper location at the right time.

Jeju Shinhwa needed to streamline its Human Resource processes by leveraging automated workflows and mobile technology to save costs. They wanted to implement enterprise workflows, with a solution that could integrate a set of business processes to optimize employee productivity for the individual worker and throughout the resort.

The Solution

When looking at the size of Jeju Shinhwa World – and the growth they are expecting – the resort needed a solution that would not only work immediately but one that would also fit their needs well into the future. Mizzisoft’s Easy Roster provides a fully integrated system that incorporates Planning (Forecasting), Rostering, Time & Attendance and Payroll. This ensures an accurate data-flow through the system.

Easy Roster’s Planning module is vital to Jeju Shinhwa in ensuring efficient & effective rosters that provide labor cost savings. From a gaming perspective this is done by using Hands In Play (HIP) data to forecast which tables to open at what time of the day. Using the forecasted table data the system automatically opens the appropriate tables using the floorplan functionality, which is a graphical representation of the gaming floor. Floor planning takes into consideration game type, supervisor ratios and skills when assigning employees to the roster.

For non-gaming the system uses other Key Volume Indicators (KVI) data such as covers, checks, check-in/outs, occupancy and many others. Labor standards are then applied to the KVI data to forecast accurate labor needs.

The Results

The Mizzisoft application is web based, with no installation needed.   It was possible for Jeju Shinhwa to control costs on system use and maintenance. While also reducing additional expenses required for system upgrades. Such a benefit of using a sophisticated system for a low monthly fee.

The resort’s data resides in Mizzisoft’s Data Centre using industrial SSD Linux servers, giving the directors at Jeju Shinhwa confidence that their data is fully protected.  Mizzisoft does full database and server replication so if one machine goes down it will automatically switch to the replication machine.

Mizzisoft can give all managers and staff access to the appropriate data, through any HTML5 Browser, which includes Windows, ChromeBooks, Macs, Android TV, Tables & Phones, iPads, iPhones and other smartphones.  As Jeju Shinwha is  in Korea, the site is able to customize the user interface in one of multiple languages including English and Korean.

The system also provides the resort with an Employee portal where the staff can view the published roster, submit personal leave requests and see their pay information.

“There are many reasons we selected Mizzisoft as our technology partner.  We knew that Mizzisoft was an innovative developer addressing the needs of high-end Casinos and Resorts around the world.  We have been pleased with how the system addresses our needs, and the high level of support we receive,” Dennis Murro mentions.

Conclusion

By using Mizzisoft’s web-based Workforce Management solution, Jeju Shinwha has managed to streamline their Human Resource processes leveraging automated workflows and mobile technology while saving costs.

Six Senses Spa at Ninh Van Bay - A sanctuary for all the senses

from Leisure & Travel Magazine

June 2018 

Providing a remarkable view of towering mountains and the scenic East Sea, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay gives its guests a sense of being intimately at one with nature. With naturally protected surroundings and a white-sand beach, the property is truly a treasure on Vietnam’s colorful coast. 

Leisure & Travel Magazine
June 2018

Accessible only by boat, the guests get a feeling that they’re on their own private tropical island. The 58 pool villas feature a traditional Vietnamese architectural style and are built on a lush jungle-covered hill overlooking the resort's own secluded bay.  With unique rock formations just above the bay's coral
reef, it provides a perfect spot for snorkeling enthusiasts.

In keeping with the traditions set by the Six Senses corporate office in Bangkok, the Ninh Van Bay location offers traditional Vietnamese and Six Senses signature treatments, and Yogic wellness programs that are customized to suit individual guest needs.

Along with its six breathtaking treatment rooms, the spa is equipped with an Aerial Yoga pavilion, fitness center, steam & sauna, manicure & pedicure facilities and spa retail gallery and outdoor jungle-gym training circuit. The treatments rooms are built in the jungle with natural streams flowing next to them. The spa is designed to encourage guests to explore the unique setting.

The resort offers a wide range of holistic wellness, rejuvenation and locally-inspired beauty treatments together with an extensive menu of signature therapies and the recently launched Six Senses Integrated Wellness program administered under the guidance of Six Senses expert therapists.

Six Senses Integrated Wellness provides an innovative approach to wellness that allows the resort’s in-house experts to measure and analyze key physiological biomarkers, providing guests with lifestyle and nutritional advice. Additionally, they design a personalized program of spa treatments, fitness and wellness activities based on the preventative principles of the Eastern medicine approach and the result-oriented Western influences. Six Senses Spa also features the group’s popular Six Senses Yogic Program which includes Discover Yoga, Yogic Detox and Yogic Sleep.

Unique and personal encounters are crafted by the resort’s experts coming from diverse backgrounds -- from visiting spa practitioners and celebrity chefs, to marine biologists and even international panel of wellness professionals from Six Senses corporate.

Since the property is blessed with stunning locations and surroundings, their fitness is offered outdoors to enhance the guest’s experience. Traditional cardio equipment and weight machines are mixed with functional training so guests can play and have fun while working out. There is something for everyone, from multi-day wellness programs to rejuvenation therapies and detox, as well as a selection of activities such complimentary morning yoga.

Along with their signature wellness treatments, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay also provides guests with a range of other resort activities activities that include scuba diving (there's a school on premises), motorbike adventure tours, a waterfall safari, and cultural tours to local villages. 

The resort also provides guests with a wide range of gourmet dining options, including a choice to relax and soak in the scenery while the resort staff prepares a private barbecue on the beach or the deck of the guest’s private villa.

The special qualities of Six Senses Ninh Van Bay always maintain the high standards set by Six Senses corporate - authentic, personal and sustainable, in harmony with individual surroundings and host cultures.

Further information can be found at:

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Website: www.sixsenses.com/resorts/ninh-van-bay/destination
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/sixsensesninhvanbay
Instagram:  https://instagram.com/sixsensesninhvanbay


장엄한 산과 훌륭한 백사장으로둘러싸인 동해바다가 마주하고있는 Six Senses Ninh Van Bay는
완벽한 힐링처이다. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay는 베트남의반짝이는 보석으로 평가되며, Ninh Van Spa에서의 휴식은 그 어느 것과 비할 바가 없다.

이일대를 보트를 타고 여행한다면 열대 우림 속무인도를 발견하는 것 같은 느낌이 든다. 바다가내려다 보이는 언덕에 위치한 Six Senses Ninh Van Ba는 베트남의 전통방식으로 지어진 58 개의 빌라로 이루어져 있고, 바위 지형과산호초의 독특한 조합으로 다이빙하기에 완벽한
장소에 위치해 있다.

방콕에 있는 Six Senses Resort와 같은 계열인 Six Senses Ninh Van Bay는 고급 리조트 안에서 베트남의 지압 치료가 가미된 스파도 빼놓을 수 없다.

Ninh Van Bay Spa
6 개의 트리트먼트 룸 외에도 Ninh Van Bay Spa에는 요가, 플라잉요가, 스포츠, 사우나, 네일샵, 쇼핑 및 야외 스포츠와 엔터테인먼트시설도 완비되어 있다. 각 트리트먼트 룸은 열대 우림과 같은 분위기가나도록 인테리어가 되어 있고 마치 비가 은은하게 적시듯 고즈넉한분위기도 자아낸다.

Ninh Van Bay Spa는 베트남 전통 방식의 지압 요법과 Six Senses 테라피로 유명하다. 디톡스 및 산소 페이셜 관리(선택 사항) 는 특히그 효과가 뛰어나다.

신체 상태를 측정해 건강한 생활습관과 운동법을 제시해주는데, 이는동서양 의학이 결합된 개인별 맞춤 솔루션이다. 이 프로그램은 유명한요리사, 해양 생물 학자 또는 의료 전문가와 같은 다방면의 전문가를초청해 고객에게 맞는 라이프스타일과 식이요법 등도 함께 제안한다.

또한 이곳에는 Six Senses Yogic이 있으며, Discover Yoga, Yogic Detox 및 Yogic Sleep을 통한 휴식 활동이 포함되어 있다. 아름다운 산과 바다가 있는 이 자연 속에 놓인 실외 운동장은 심박수
측정, 비만도 측정과 같은 체질검사도 함께 할 수 있도록 장비를갖추고 있다.

Six Senses Ninh Van Spa의 장기 건강 관리 프로그램을 통해 활력을되찾고 디톡스와 체중감량과 같은 신진대사활동 맞춤 프로그램으로건강과 휴식을 동시에 누리자.

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay는 스노클링 (가이드 투어), 산악 자전거투어, 폭포 탐험 및 문화 투어와 같은 훌륭한 투어 프로그램도진행한다. 지방 마을에서 맛보는 다양한 현지 식사 옵션 또는 풀장에서편안한 시간을 보내며 개인빌라에서 바베큐 파티를 즐길 수 있다.

Letter from Apricot - An evening at the L’Artiste Hanoi

The Apricot

LETTER FROM APRICOT SỐ 01

full issue:  http://apricothotels.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Letter-of-Apricot-01-s.pdf

Nhà báo Bill Healey

Có lẽ đó là sự sắp đặt tình cờ đầy may mắn, chuyến du lịch vòng quanh thế giới kéo dài gần 4 tháng đã cho vợ chồng tôi cơ hội được khám phá Hà Nội yên bình và nên thơ trong hơn một tuần lễ. Trước khi đến sân bay quốc tế Nội Bài, tôi đã nghe rất nhiều gợi ý về Apricot Hotel, một khách sạn 5 sao nhỏ xinh nằm e ấp bên Tháp Rùa nổi tiếng với khoảng cách chỉ vài bước chân.

The Apricot

Dù mới mở cửa được hơn 3 tháng, khách sạn sang trọng và đẳng cấp này đã nhận được rất nhiều những đánh giá và lời ngợi khen tích cực. Và tôi biết đây sẽ là điểm dừng chân mình cần phải khám phá khi đến Hà Nội - Thành phố vì hòa bình, đặc biệt là hành trình trải nghiệm những giây phút thăng hoa trong nghệ thuật ẩm thực tại nhà hàng L’Artiste của Apricot Hotel.

Bước vào sảnh khách sạn, không khó để nhận ra sự đầu tư công phu và tỉ mỉ của người chủ đầu tư nhằm tôn vinh tinh hoa của mỹ thuật và di sản văn hóa Việt Nam với hơn 600 nguyên tác hội họa của các danh họa nổi tiếng Việt Nam như Nguyễn Dung, Phan Kế An, Bùi Hữu Hùng và Hồng Việt Dũng bên cạnh những tác phẩm điêu khắc và tranh màu nước. Với vị trí vô cùng đắc địa, xưa kia đây là nơi tọa lạc của khách sạn nổi tiếng Phú Gia, chốn giao lưu của các tầng lớp chính trị, doanh nhân có tiếng trong xã hội ngay từ những năm 1920. Theo những thăng trầm của thời gian, cũng trên cùng mảnh đất lịch sử đó khách sạn Apricot đã ra mắt thủ đô trong diện mạo hoàn toàn mới. Toàn bộ decor trong khách sạn được trang hoàng cầu kỳ theo phong cách tân cổ điển với tông màu kem ấm áp, sàn đá cẩm thạch, đèn chùm lộng lẫy và đồ nội thất sang trọng.

Những bước đi thư thái trên đường đến nhà hàng L’Artiste giúp vợ chồng tôi có cơ hội được hòa mình vào không gian nghệ thuật và thưởng thức những giai điệu ngọt ngào từ phím đàn piano được chơi bởi các nghệ sỹ tài năng. Có cảm giác như chúng tôi đang đi dạo trong một phòng tranh nghệ thuật đầy tao nhã ở các thành phố lớn trên thế giới. Băng qua khu bếp mở đầy phong cách, chúng tôi bước vào phòng ăn riêng, nơi có khung cửa tuyệt đẹp nhìn ra Hồ Hoàn Kiếm. Thêm một lần may mắn khi chúng tôi được đích thân bếp trưởng của khách sạn chia sẻ về những món ăn độc đáo.

Hành trình khám phá ẩm thực của chúng tôi bắt đầu với món khai vị bò thái lát New Zealand, salad bưởi và sốt Caesar, sau đó là món chính phi lê cá vược với dầu oliu & zucchini risotto, cà tím nướng trứng cá muối kết hợp với nước sốt bơ cam. Bữa tối tuyệt vời khép lại với món tráng miệng đặc trưng của khách sạn – Mousse trà xanh, quả mơ và dâu tây. Với tôi, mỗi món ăn là một quá trình chuẩn bị công phu và chúng thực sự là những tác phẩm nghệ thuật dưới bàn tay của người bếp trưởng tài hoa.

Những trải nghiệm ẩm thực tinh tế tại L’Artiste, với tôi như vậy đã là quá đủ cho một buổi tối tuyệt vời ở Hà Nội. Nhưng khi được thỏa sức phong tầm mắt nhìn ra toàn cảnh Hồ Gươm trên tầng cao nhất của Apricot, vẻ đẹp của thủ đô mới thực sự khiến tôi không khỏi ngỡ ngàng. Dưới ánh đèn đêm, Hà Nội thật lung linh, huyền ảo. Có lẽ hiếm có địa điểm nào sánh được với tầng thượng của Apricot nếu bạn muốn chiêm ngưỡng vẻ đẹp của Tháp Rùa khi hoàng hôn tắt nắng. Đó là một thứ cảm giác thật khó để diễn tả bằng lời nhưng sẽ không dễ dàng quên được.

Bữa tối tại L’Artiste và những trải nghiệm đáng nhớ tại trên tầng thượng là những điểm cộng cho những ai đang muốn đến thăm Hà Nội. Quả thực với những dịch vụ hàng đầu, lối thiết kế mang phong cách Pháp đặc trưng cùng bầu không khí ấm áp, đầy mời gọi, nơi đây chắc chắn sẽ là lựa chọn lý tưởng khi đến với mảnh đất Hà Thành nghìn năm văn hiến.

===== English Version =====

As good fortune would have it, our four-month global tour brought us to Hanoi for a week-long visit. Prior to touch-down, reports had come to us about the Apricot Hotel, a newly opened
five-star, small luxury hotel just steps away from Hoan Kiem Lake. In just three months following its opening in April 2015, the trendy luxury property has received a generous number of positive reviews. We knew it was a stop we needed to make.

Our chief aim was to experience the culinary delights at L’Artiste Restaurant. Upon entering the Apricot lobby, we quickly noticed the meticulous attention to service and the hotel’s focus on Vietnamese art, culture and heritage. Placed throughout the public areas and guest rooms are more than 600 works by renowned Vietnamese artists. Some of the showcased pieces are by master painters Nguyen Dung and Phan Ke An and contemporary stars Bui Huu Hung and Hong Viet Dung, together with sculptures, ink drawings and watercolours.

Formerly known as the Phu Gia, the hotel had welcomed socialites, political leaders and business elite since the 1920s. Coming back to life after a top to-bottom renovation, the interior is now a crisp and light cream, taking its cue from the French colonial era with marble floors, extravagant chandeliers and classical furnishings. On our way to the fine dining restaurant L’Artiste, we proceeded at a leisurely pace that allowed us to enjoy the artwork along with the soft melodies played by the lobby pianist. We could have just as easily been walking through a boutique art gallery in any major metropolitan city. When reaching L’Artiste, we were escorted past the open-style kitchen on the way to our private dining room with an enchanting lake view.

Our dinner started with a New Zealand beef carpaccio, pomelo salad with Caesar sauce, followed by a main course of sea bass filet with olive & zucchini risotto, smoked eggplant caviar, and an orange star and butter sauce. Our dessert featured its apricot & matcha tea mousse with apricot & strawberries. Each course was artistically prepared, culinary masterpieces served by professional staff.

As our fashionable evening ended with the delightful dinner at L’Artiste, it would have been a very good night. However, later in the evening we made our way up to Apricot’s rooftop pool which provided a stunning panoramic view of Hanoi and the iconic Hoan Keim Lake. The tranquility of the rooftop terrace piqued our senses of sight and sound, offering a truly therapeutic and memorable sensory experience.

An evening at the L’Artiste and on Apricot’s rooftop is a welcomed break for even the most seasoned traveller. The service is top-notch, the French colonial architecture is warm and inviting, and the sophisticated ambiance puts one at ease. Highly recommended for a night out on the town, or a longer stay to get-away.

Casino Association of South Africa, A Visit with Adv Themba Ngobese

from Gaming & Leisure Magazine

Spring 2018

www.mygamingandleisure.com

full issue: https://digital.mygamingandleisure.com/issue/spring-2018/

This issue’s International Road trip takes us to South Africa, the largest casino gaming nation on the African continent.  Joining in the discussion is Advocate Themba Ngobese, Chief Executive Officer of the Casino Association of South Africa (CASA).

Gaming and Leisure Magazine
Spring 2018

CASA Then & Now

CASA was established in 2003 and represents the interests of 36 of the 38 legal land-based casinos operating in the country, as well as the public they serve.  CASA’s emphasis is on playing a constructive and positive role in the evolution of good public policy and good governance in respect of the casino industry.

In their most recently released Annual Survey for the year ended March 2017, CASA shows the industry supports over 64,000 quality jobs in the national economy.  Of the R16,5 billion (US$ 1.2 billion) in value generated by CASA members, casino and related services employees received 21% or R3,5 billion (US$ 250 million).  This makes employees one of the largest recipients of value generated by the casino industry, taking home even more than the providers of capital.

The CASA survey shows that of the 64,000 people working in the sector, 10,649 were directly employed in casino operations while a further 5,513 were employed for outsourced services such as security and cleaning services for casino operations only.  Non-casino operations, such as hotels, convention centres, restaurants and theatres, accounted for the balance.

Cultivating the principles of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) and gender equality remained high on the list of priorities for CASA members during the year ended March 2017.  Based on the Tourism Sector Code, 36% of CASA’s 36 members are rated Level 1 B-BBEE, up from 25% in the previous period, while 31% are rated at Level 2, also an improvement from the year ended March 2016.

The CASA survey for the year ending March 2017 also shows that, for the first time since the inception of the casino industry in South Africa under the new democratic dispensation, there was a decrease (1.8%) in revenue.  This decrease was attributed only in part to the general economic downturn, with illegal gambling eroding substantial revenue from the legal operators.  Despite this, the licensed casino industry made a significant contribution towards employment, social responsibility and infrastructure development, and continues to be a vital economic driver.

Advocate Themba Ngobese
CASA CEO

Advocate Themba Ngobese, CASA CEO

Playing a leading role in the direction of CASA is Advocate Themba Ngobese, CASA’s Chief Executive.  He was literally working within the SA casino industry since its early days, working both within the regulatory authorities and later the casinos.

Prior to joining CASA in 2013, Adv Ngobese held senior positions at Peermont Hotels, Casinos and Resorts, the Gauteng Gambling Regulatory Authority and the National Gambling Regulatory Authority of South Africa.  (It should be noted that South Africa has nine provinces, each with its own regulatory authority and then the national regulatory authority.  Adv Ngobese for instance, worked for the Gauteng Gambling Regulatory Authority in Gauteng Province and then the National Gambling Regulatory Authority.)

He holds a B. Proc and LLB degrees; both from the University of the Witwatersrand as well as a Certificate in Legal Practice from the University of South Africa, and is a qualified advocate.

While with Peermont Hotels, Casinos & Resorts, Adv Ngobese was Group Compliance & Legal Services Executive where he was responsible for ensuring compliance of the Group with gambling legislation as well as other applicable legislation.  He was also responsible for the provision of legal services to Group operations including the drafting and vetting of operational agreements, rendering of legal advice and liaison with external legal advisors.

Adv Ngobese strongly believes that governments need to create a stable operating environment through an explicit regulatory and taxation framework which encourages investment, job creation and economic growth.  In his role as CEO at CASA, Adv Ngobese strives towards ensuring that the Government offers the lowest possible costs of doing business, including low taxation rates, low licence fees and minimal regulatory costs for the industry.  He advocates strongly that the Government must have clear policies in place that are consistent with the fiscal and regulatory environment of gaming within the country.

Responsible Gambling

Of specific interest to Adv Ngobese and CASA is how they promote Responsible Gambling in South Africa.  He mentions it is in their best interest to ensure the longevity of both their member casinos and the public they serve.  An example he used, if a person spends everything they have and is forced into bankruptcy, they would no longer be a regular valued visitor to the casinos.  CASA and its member casinos strive to promote the well-being of the guests in order to ensure they’re visitors for the long term.  It helps the casino cover maintenance and cost of growth well into the future.

CASA is the leading contributor to the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation NPC (SARGF), which delivers the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP).  Its Board consists of an equal number of gambling industry executives and government regulators as well as the Executive Director, an independent director, and an independent Chair, Adv. Fana Johannes Nalane.

The SARGF is a public-private sector partnership which is incorporated as a non-profit company in terms of South Africa’s Companies Act, 71 of 2008, as amended.  It was founded in June 2000 and is acknowledged internationally to be highly effective, economical, amongst the most comprehensive in the world, and especially well adapted to the particular needs of all South Africans.

The NRGP includes the following programs:

Treatment Program
Industry Support and Mentorship Program
Prevention Programs

Corporate Social Investment

As a socially responsible sector, CASA members are fully committed to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) as one of the cornerstones of their ethical business model.  And with CSI becoming more strategically focused, it also makes sense to align CSI spending with core business objectives and imperatives.  Such an approach moves CSI out of the charitable sphere and into one with true partnerships and beneficiaries; Government and NGO’s bring about long-term sustainable development to the benefit of all.  It is against this background, and guided by the key socio-economic development needs highlighted by the communities in which they operate, that members of CASA select and support the association's CSI projects.

The collective efforts of CASA’s members run the entire scope from education, poverty alleviation, skills development, community upliftment, sports development and sponsorship, health care, altruistic infrastructural improvement, HIV treatment and assistance to those most in need, namely the young and elderly.

In total, CASA members spent R712-million (US$ 51 million) over the past five years.  But, while financial assistance makes up a portion of CASA’s CSI programmes, their members do not believe that just throwing money at a problem will solve it; they also give their time, skill and assistance in any way possible.  So where an education scholarship is important, so is the recycling of linen from the hotels which is donated to homes for the aged – each little bit helps.

Adv Ngobese and I briefly touched on the demographics of guests visiting South African casinos.  Though there have been efforts by some venues to attract visitors from abroad, the success has been marginal.  Aside from a few of the larger casinos, the vast majority of visitors come from within the country.

Further information can be found on their website at:  www.casasa.org.za

Gaming & Leisure Magazine would like to thank Adv Themba Ngobese for his time and contribution.

AVANI Hotels & Casinos Establish Luxury Gaming Brand Across Africa

from Gaming for Africa Magazine

February - March 2018

full issue at: https://issuu.com/roybannister/docs/gfa_-_issue_136_-_digimag_-_opt

AVANI properties around the world are often considered to be the best lodging and dining experiences available to experienced travelers. Blending genuine hospitality and modern lifestyle features with a passion for design and contemporary style, AVANI leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

Gaming for Africa Magazine
February - March 2018

AVANI properties reach across Africa, Europe and Asia, and are a division of Bangkok-based Minor Hotels.  Three of the AVANI properties in Africa have a casino:  AVANI Gaborone Hotel & Casino, AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino, and the Windhoek Hotel & Casino.

The AVANI Gaborone Hotel and Casino is an upscale hotel in the heart of Botswana’s capital. The 196-room property offers guests nicely furnished rooms decorated in a gentle African theme.  Along with a casino, the retreat also offers recreational facilities, fine dining and casual meal options.

The AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino is a 158-room fashionable property located on a hillside overlooking Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. The property’s design gives guests a panoramic view of the city with mountains off in the distance.

The AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino is considered one of the best hotels anywhere in Namibia. Set in the heart of Windhoek’s business centre, the property caters for both discerning business executives and seasoned travelers.

We are fortunate to have spoken with a few of the AVANI casino executives who offer an insight into their background and casino operations.

Ricardo Coleman & Asser Majazu - AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino

[Gaming for Africa]  AVANI Windhoek maintains the two disciplines of Tables Manager and Slots Manager separate within the Casino.  We are joined by both Ricardo Coleman (Tables Manager) and Asser Majazu (Slots Manager).  Give us a bit of a background on your position at AVANI Windhoek and the career path led you to your positions?

Ricardo Coleman

[Ricardo Coleman - Windhoek]  I got my start in the industry back in December 1994 with the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre.  I spent nearly nine years there in several positions, including Pit Boss, Assistant Pit Boss, Inspector, and Dealer.  In September 2003 I moved over to Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino as a Pit Boss.

In mid 2004, I returned to Swakopmund as their Assistant Table Manager and progressed to Table Manager.  In early 2011 I took the position as Tables Manager with Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino, where I am at present.

[Asser Mujazu - Windhoek]  I started as a Cashier in 1998 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino, and then was transferred to Slots Attendant and later promoted to Vault Cahier. Due to the passion I had in Technical, I was then recommended by the Cashiering Manager to become Coin Handling Equipment Technician then later a Trainee Technician.

Asser Mujazu

In 2002, I was promoted to become the youngest Slots Shift Manager in this industry in the whole of Namibia, and that is a highlight of my career. I left the industry in 2004, to work abroad (UK) and return to Namibia in 2006 as a Senior Technician at the Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino, a position I held until 2011 when I came to Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino as an Assistant Slots Manager until 2014 when I was promoted to Slots Manager.

While working I completed Management Development Program with Maurice Kerrigan Training Development Institute, and then Gaming Management Education Program (GMEP) through Sun International, whereby we presented our final assignment to the Sun Directors and then I completed the Senior Management Development Program (SMDP) at the University of Stellenbosch 2015.

[Gaming for Africa]  What unique features sets Windhoek casino apart from the others?

AVANI Windhoek

[Windhoek Casino]  Being in the centre of town and surrounded by the CBD we derive a lot more day visitors than destination operations.

We have recently completed a refurbishment of our casino and the new product now features a Private Room, Prive, Poker Club and main floor. The private Room with high limit American Roulette and Blackjack as well as high denomination Slot Machines, a full complimentary bar service, snack service and a fully hosted gaming experience with dedicated cashiering services as well as Wi-Fi and electronic device charging points at gaming devices. The Poker Club offers Texas Hold’em style poker games and the Prive area offers privacy to the more discerning players and has a dedicated cashiering function.

[Gaming for Africa]  Regarding guest demographics at the casino, where does Windhoek Casino draw their customers from?  Is the intent of the casino to be strictly for hotel guests, or can the general public also use the casino?

AVANI Windhoek Casino

[Windhoek Casino]  The Casino is open to the general public and hotel guests alike. The Casino draws most of its patrons from the City of Windhoek and surrounds and a small portion of its clientele from visitors from South Africa, Europe and Angola. The local resident Asian population is also a notable segment in the casino market.

[Gaming for Africa]  Are locals allowed to gamble, and are there responsible gambling programs in place?

AVANI Windhoek Casino

[Windhoek Casino]  All members of the public or tourists have access to gaming facilities. The
casino subscribes to the National Responsible Gaming Program that is facilitated from South Africa and offers free counselling and even treatment in the event of compulsive gambling problems that could even result in in-patient treatment if need be, at the cost of the program and the participating operators. The program also prescribes advertising and information dissemination, research and training for operators on how to evaluate, monitor and deal with problem gamblers.

[Gaming for Africa]  How many table games and slots are available at Windhoek Casino?

AVANI Windhoek Casino

[Windhoek Casino]  We run 10 Tables and 133 slot machines.

[Gaming for Africa]  Are there tournaments within the casino?

[Windhoek Casino]  The casino regularly run tournament style promotions for table games and slots as well as poker tournaments as part of the promotional calendar and activities.

[Gaming for Africa]  What entertainment and activities are available to complement the casino gaming operations?

[Windhoek Casino]  Gaming promotions and draws are fun activities with the addition of game shows, virtual horse racing or fun activities during draws. Promotional or hosted evenings are renowned for promo girls, food and drink promotions and entertainment on the main floor and casino bar.  The hotel facilities in the form of a very popular buffet restaurant and the Oasis Bar with regular live entertainment is further to the disposal of casino patrons.

AVANI Windhoek Casino

[Gaming for Africa]  Is there a casino loyalty card that can be used across the properties?

The casino loyalty program is known as the Unique Loyalty program and depicts the ultimate privilege for our casino players that signed up. Players can progress through various tiers by earning points and achieving threshold status credits and with every level qualify for cheaper benefits like hotel accommodation, meals drinks and access to certain tier specific promotional activities, trips and invitations to events like boxing tournaments, live entertainment or sport events.

Shaun Nicolson - AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino

[Gaming for Africa]  Give us a bit on your background, and what led you to your position at AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino?

[Shaun Nicolson]  I have been in the casino industry for over 25 years, working in casinos in

Shaun Nicolson, AVANI Lesotho

Southern Africa and abroad. I have always been intrigued by the diversity of the operations, where there is always something to learn. I started as a Vault Cashier and worked my way through the ranks

[Gaming for Africa]   What unique features sets AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino apart from the others?

[Shaun Nicolson] Definitely our staff, we have some of the best people I have worked with in the industry. We are a relatively small casino and that allows us to have a one on one relationship with our customers, and our staff literally do know your name.

AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino

[Gaming for Africa]   Regarding guest demographics at the casino, where does they draw their customers from?  Is the intent of the casino to be strictly for resort guests, or can the general public also use the casino?

[Shaun Nicolson]  Our core hotel business is derived from corporate guests so we are not pegged as a resort destination, as such the casino is open to everyone. Over 93% of our business is from the greater Lesotho region, however we actively market into South Africa, where we have seen an upturn of customers visits due to our VIP Manager’s strategies.

[Gaming for Africa]    Are locals allowed to gamble in Lesotho, and are there responsible gambling programs in place?

AVANI Lesotho Casino

[Shaun Nicolson]  Lesotho, like South Africa, does not put any restrictions on residents gambling, as
long as they are over 18 years and do so responsibly.   We do have a responsible gaming programme in place within the casino.

[Gaming for Africa]  How many table games and slots are available at the casino?

[Shaun Nicolson]  Our games:

12 Tables  - comprising Black Jack, Roulette and Punto Banco

Table limits Roulette M 10.00 / M 25.00, Blackjack  M 50.00 / M 200.00, Punto M 100

129 Lesotho and 70 Maseru =199 Machines

 Denominations range from 1c to M 5.00. Video, Stepper Reels and Poker with progressive jackpots.

Machine games range from classic favourites to latest releases.

[Gaming for Africa]  Are there tournaments within the Lesotho casino?

[Shaun Nicolson]  When we refer to tournaments, we generally refer to tables games. In this regard we host quarterly Roulette tournaments.  Small scale gaming promotions are run 3 time a week. Large scale promotions are run every quarter for bigger wins.

AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino

[Gaming for Africa]  What entertainment and activities are available complement the casino gaming
operations?

[Shaun Nicolson]  Our marketing team is constantly working on setting up entertainment, from comedy shows, ladies nights, specialised acts to romantic dinners. There is always something happening to cater for everyone’s tastes.

[Gaming for Africa]  Is there a casino loyalty card that can be used at Lesotho Casino and across the properties?

[Shaun Nicolson]  Yes – it is called the UNIQUE loyalty programme. It rewards our customers based on their play on the tables and slots. It is a points based system, where customers can redeem their points for anything from drinks, accommodation to merchandise.

Gaming for Africa would like to thank Shaun Nicolson, Asser Majazu, Ricardo Coleman and the AVANI marketing team for their time and assistance.

Further information on these properties can be found on their websites:

AVANI Lesotho Hotel & Casino         https://www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/lesotho
AVANI Gaborone Resort & Casino    https://www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/gaborone
AVANI Windhoek Hotel & Casino     https://www.minorhotels.com/en/avani/windhoek

Wellness Today Korea :: [인터뷰] 크리스틴 헤이즈 - 이스턴 바이브레이션 - [Interview] Christine Hays - Eastern Vibration

from Wellness Today Korea

February 2018

www.wellnesstoday.kr
Original English version: www.wellnesstoday.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=4827
Original Korean version: www.wellnesstoday.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=4828

스파전문가에서 히말라야 사운드 에너지 힐링 전도사로 변신

본지는 히말라야 싱잉보울(Singing Bowl), 이른바 명상주발을 이용한 사운드 에너지 힐링을 보급하고 있는 이스턴 바이브레이션(Eastern Vibration)의 창립자이자 CEO(여기서는 최고에너지책임자 Chief Energy Officer)인 크리스틴 헤이즈(Christine Hays)를 만나 그녀의 최근 활동에 관해 이모 저모를 물었다. 이스턴 바이브레이션은 미국 플로리다에 본사를 두고 교육 및 컨설팅 활동을 진행하고 있다.

▲ Ms. Christine Hays, Eastern Vibration

▲ Ms. Christine Hays, Eastern Vibration

[WT] 귀하는 스파 웰니스 분야 전문가로서 세계 여러 지역에서 활동해 오고 있는 것으로 알고 있다. 이 분야에 종사하게 된 배경을 소개해 달라.

[CH] 저는 좀 빠른 나이인 18살 무렵부터 명상, 댄스, 요가, 영양 관련 업무를 하게 되었습니다. 처음에는 물리치료사로 일을 했고, 이후 마사지 요법을 공부했습니다. 제 목표는 사람들에게 홀리스틱(holistic)한 라이프스타일을 가르치고 도와주는 것입니다. 해외 여러 지역을 다니면서, 상이한 문화 속에서 한 가지 목표인 웰니스를 추구하는 방식들에 관해 많은 경험을 쌓기도 했습니다.

[WT] 좀 더 상세하게 개인 경력을 소개해 달라.

[CH] 마시자 교육을 받은 뒤에 휴가 삼아 한 달 간 자메이카를 가게 되었는데, 어쩌다 보니 그곳에서 7년이나 지내게 되었습니다. 자메이카에 처음 갔을 때가 80년대 중반 무렵이었는데, 당시 그곳에서는 스포츠와 마사지 시설을 갖춘 종합 서비스 리조트들이 지어지고 있었습니다. 그 때만 해도 스파라는 것이 호텔에 입주하던 시기는 아니었습니다. 그 때 한 호텔업주를 만나 호텔에 마사지룸 몇 개와 요가 센터를 내면 고객이 더 많이 올 것이라고 제안했고 실무 컨설팅을 하게 되었습니다. 잘 훈련된 마사지 테라피스트를 구하는 것이 문제였는데 그 당시 해변에서 의자 하나, 혹은 타월 하나를 깔고 일명 ‘알로에 베라 마사지’라는 것을 하는 사람들이 있었습니다. 이들을 대상으로 정식으로 마사지 훈련을 시켜 여러 리조트들에서 일하도록 해주었습니다. 이후 몇 년 동안 카리브해 일대의 고급 호텔들에서 스파 디렉터로 일하면서 매지니먼트 분야 경력을 쌓았습니다.

▲ 히말라야 명상주발

[WT] 이스턴 바이브레이션은 어떤 회사인가? 재미있고 독특한 컨셉트가 깔린 것 같은데, 어떻게 시작하게 되었는가?

[CH] 카리브해 지역에서 일한지 만 10년을 채울 무렵 인도의 오베로이(Oberoi) 호텔 그룹으로부터 산하의 28개 스파센터를 총괄하는 스파 디렉터 자리를 맡아줄 것을 제의받아 이직하게 되었습니다. 그 무렵 인도에서 티벳 전통의 명상주발을 만났고 깊은 관심을 쏟게 되었습니다. 제가 감독하던 25개가 넘는 스파 센터들에 명상주발을 이용한 트리트먼트 메뉴를 추가했습니다. 명상주발에 관한 많은 지식이 없이 그저 사운드가 좋아서 시작했는데 제 시도는 매우 성공적이었습니다. 많은 고객들이 호평했습니다. 그래서 개인적인 관심이 더 커졌고, 인도의 현지인들은 과연 일상 생활에서 이를 어떻게 활용하는지 공부하기로 결심했습니다. 티벳 승려들을 만나 공부를 하고, 이어 지방 무속인들과 힌두교 사제들, 그리고 이 분야 대가로 이름난 분들을 만나 공부를 했습니다. 저희는 고대의 힐링 방식과 환경을 그대로 채택하여 서비스를 제공하고 있습니다. 이 점이 더 독특하고 토속적으로 보이게 하는 요소들이라 생각합니다.

[WT] 이스턴 바이브레이션 테라피는 특정한 질환의 치료를 목표로 하나

▲ 사운드 에너지 힐링 요법 강의

[CH] 네, 저희의 요법은 체내 에너지의 흐름을 원활하게 해줌으로써 관절통 같은 국부적인 통증의 해소에 도움을 주고, 과민성대장증후군이나 스트레스 해소에 유익하게 적용됩니다. 명상주발의 사운드 파동은 뇌파를 불과 수 분만에 알파파로 바꾸고, 5-7분 정도면 세타파에 이르게 합니다. 요법을 받는 사람은 좌뇌와 우뇌가 하나가 되어 꿈 같은 상태에 빠지게 되고 이 때 힐링이 이뤄집니다. 뇌는 소리로 인해 이완이 되고, 인체는 세포 차원에서 파동의 공명이 이뤄져 활력을 얻습니다. 마치 세포를 마사지하는 것과 같은 것입니다.

[WT] 고객들의 반응은 어떤가?

[CH] 명상주발 체험을 한 고객들은 다양한 느낌을 표현하는데, 어떤 사람을 색채를 보았다고 하고, 어떤 사람은 울면서 감정이 이완되는 체험을 했다고 합니다. 무엇보다 많은 사람들이 초고의 숙면을 했다고 합니다. 매우 심오한 체험인 것이죠.

[WT] 이스턴 바이브레이션은 스파 웰니스 전문가들에게 잘 받아들여지고 있나.

[CH] 스파 전문가들이 웰니스 분야로 관심을 확장하면서 새로운 트리트먼트를 찾는 추세입니다. 이스턴 바이브레이션은 아시아와 중동 지역에서 관심이 높고, 미국과 유럽 시장에서는 서서히 사운드 파동의 효능을 이해하기 시작하는 단계에 있습니다.

[WT] 업계 안에서 사운드 테라피가 얼마만큼 성장할 수 있다고 보는지 말해달라.

[CH] 업계 내부에서는 웰니스를 추구하는 누구나 사운드 테라피를 채택하기 시작했다고 확신하고 있습니다. 저희가 제공하는 것은 이른바 지속 가능한 웰니스입니다. 사운드 요법은 의료계에도 널리 보급되어 있습니다. 암 전문의, 뮤직 테라피스트, 작업치료사 등을 비롯해 많은 의료인들이 사운드 테라피를 도입하고 있습니다.

[WT] 이스턴 바이브레이션의 향후 계획은 어떻게 되나.

[CH] 이스턴 바이브레이션은 ‘터치 앤 바이블이션 암케어’를 런칭할 예정입니다. 더 많은 보급을 위해 디지털 컨텐츠도 준비 중이고, 금년 2분기 중에는 온라인 교육 과정도 시작될 것입니다.

본지는 유익한 정보를 제공해 주신 크리스틴 헤이즈 CEO에게 깊은 감사를 표한다. 이스턴 바이브레이션에 관해 더 상세한 내용을 보려면 https://easternvibration.com/ 을 방문하면 된다.

< 저작권자 © 웰니스투데이 무단전재 및 재배포금지 >

===== English Translation =====

Wellness Today is fortunate for the opportunity to chat with wellness professional Christine Hays, founder and Chief Energy Officer at Eastern Vibration.

▲ Ms. Christine Hays, Chief ENERGY Officer of Eastern Vibration

[WT] You’re a well-traveled spa and wellness professional with significant global experience. Was there a path that lead you into wellness?

[CH] I was on a health and wellness path since I was 18 years old through meditation, dance, yoga and nutrition. I began my career as a physical therapist and upon graduation I went on to study Massage Therapy. My goal has always been to educate and help others grow holistically. My global experience broadened my range of wellness as different cultures approach wellness in various forms with the same outcome.

[WT] Could you give us a background -- your positions and projects, and where they have taken you?

[CH] After the massage program I took a break and went to Jamaica for one month which extended to 7 years. When I arrived in Jamaica in the mid 80’s, there were several new all-inclusive resorts being built with the addition of sports complexes and massage areas. This was before spas were in hotels. I approached a hotel owner and suggested that I consult with the building of the massage rooms and yoga center which included recruiting talent. It was difficult to find professionally trained massage therapists, although I discovered many women on the beach offering “Aloe Vera rubs” on the beach chairs or even on a towel in the sand. I started a massage training program, turned them into professionals and placed them in the resorts.

After my stint as a consultant, I went on to Spa Management and spent another few years as a Spa Director in Luxury hotels in the Caribbean.

▲ Tibetan Singing Bowls

[WT] Eastern Vibration is an interesting and unique concept.  How did you start?

[CH] After 10 full years in the Caribbean, I was offered a corporate Spa Director role in India with the Oberoi Hotel group overseeing a total of 28 spas. I found some Tibetan bowls in India and wanted to know more. Eventually I created a treatment with the bowls for the 25+ spas that I was overseeing. I didn’t know much about the bowls except that they sounded nice and the treatments that I created were a big success with the guests. This is when I decided to learn more and went into villages to find out how the locals were incorporating these bowls into their daily lives. I took it a step further by studying with the Tibetan Monks, local Shamans, Sadus (Hindu Holy men) and Gurus. We are using ancient healing modalities that were learned in the settings that they originated in making us unique and indigenous.

[WT] Are Eastern Vibration therapies aimed at addressing specific ailments?

[CH] Yes, we use them for localized pain which moves energy blockages and provides pain relief for many ailments including joint pain, all IBS issues and stress management. The concept of the sound waves is to bring the brain wave frequencies into Alpha within a couple of minutes and deeper into Theta in about 5-7 minutes. The left and right hemispheres of the brain merge and the person receiving the therapy is in a dreamlike state; this is when healing takes place. While the brain is relaxed from the sound, the body benefits through vibrating the cells on a very deep level. Think of it as a massage of the cells.

▲ Training in sound energy healing therapy.

[WT] What are the reactions of clients?

[CH] The clients that have this experience all have comments such as they see colours, some people let out an emotional release by crying, I have heard people say that they have never slept better. It’s a very profound experience!

[WT] How is Eastern Vibration being accepted by professionals in Spa & Wellness?

[CH] Spa professionals are looking for new treatments as they are moving into wellness activities. Eastern Vibration is gaining traction in Asia and the Middle East as the USA and European market are slowly starting to understand the power of sound and vibration.

[WT] What growth do you see for sound therapy within the industry?

[CH] I firmly believe that everyone in the industry will eventually be using sound therapy as they move into wellness and what we are offering is sustainable wellness. We believe that it will also be widespread in the medical world as well. There are doctors, including oncologists, music therapists and occupational therapists using sound and vibration in the medical world.

[WT] What do you see for the future of Eastern Vibration?

[CH] Eastern Vibration is launching a Touch and Vibration for Cancer care. We are moving into more digital content which will increase engagement and are preparing our online courses which will be introduced in the second quarter of this year (2018).

Wellness Today would like to thank Christine for the informative exchange.  To learn more about Eastern Vibration, visit their website at:  https://easternvibration.com/

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