Composition of A New Culture Where Old Traditions Blend
——Interview with Mr. Jean-Philippe Jacopin, General Manager of Hilton Chongqing and Hilton Chongqing Nanshan Resort & Spa
历史交融共谱华章
——专访重庆希尔顿酒店、重庆希尔顿南山温泉度假酒店总经理冀宏飞先生

When the steam whistle echoed through the hustle and bustle of the wharf, we arrived in Chongqing, a city saturated with three thousand years’ Ba-shu culture. As an extension of original Huaxia nation and the axis of Central Plains Culture, it has a long history of civilization and amazing historic relics. Walking alongside the mottled city wall, we could not help lamenting at the vicissitudes of time. The running waters of the river have witnessed the transitions and changes of the city, which has been injected with an international hospitality culture while inheriting the traditional Chinese spirit. Now let’s walk into the city and walk into Hilton Chongqing that enjoys a same long history.
 
What impressed us most at the hotel was General Manager’s hospitality and romantic temperament. Instead of briefing us on the hotel, Mr. Jean-Philippe Jacopin started the conversation by introducing the philosophy and values of Hilton. “After almost 100 years of existence, the philosophy of Hilton creator has remained unchanged and is still as real as it was then. After nearly 20 years’ work experience in this big family, I am well acquainted with its values and commitment in creating exceptional guests experiences.”  Unsurprisingly, Hilton Chongqing has inherited and adhered to the brand’s core values in both its facilities and services.
 
Perfectly situated between the Yangtze and Jia Ling rivers, within close proximity to the business district and city center, Hilton Chongqing is an oasis of calm with a perfect combination of modernity and tradition. Each of the 423 guest rooms and suites is comfortably designed by prestigious interior designers, equipped with high speed internet connection and modern amenities. Business travelers can enjoy special comfort of Executive Floor rooms which include private check-in and check-out services, complimentary access to the exclusive Executive Lounge. The hotel boasts its 551sqm Grand Ballroom with a capacity for 500 guests; the ballroom also features six translation booths, making it an ideal venue for international conferences. A further seven function rooms all fully-equipped with audiovisual equipment, alongside the high speed sight-viewing elevator, which enables guests to appreciate the spectacular view of the city and two rivers, provide options for events and meetings of any nature. The adjacent Da Tian Wan stadium holds seven tennis courts, one football field and six badminton courts, complementing the hotel’s vacation facilities.
 
In addition, the hotel dedicates an entire floor to women, which includes an indoor swimming pool fitted with a roof to deflect the sun’s ultraviolet rays, numerous spa treatment rooms, a fully-equipped gym and aerobic studio as well as an exclusive hair salon.
 
It is not difficult to discern from these details that Mr. Jacopin is a person with innovative ideas and vigorous resolution. Born in France, he has over 25 years’ experiences in hospitality management. In reference to his homeland, Mr. Jacopin said with emotions that “I was lucky to grow up in a city so rich in creative talent and surrounded by fashion and the latest trends. It tremendously helps in developing and fueling my own creative sense and acute perception. In France, we are taught that nothing is impossible as long as we keep in mind the golden rules of rigor, integrity, righteousness, sincerity and perfection and don’t miss out any chance of fulfilling our dreams.” Since he joined Hilton in 1990, he has won numerous honors and admiration with his outstanding talents. In 2007, he served as General Manager of Hilton Namhae Golf and Spa Resort in Korea and continued Hilton global management culture into the hotel, which soon became a market leader and was named as the “Best Golf and Spa Resort in Korea” by Travel Award. Since its opening, Hilton Chongqing has consistently won accolades for its outstanding service, it was named as one of the “Top 100 Hotels In Asia” by Conde Nast Traveler’s Award in 2009; Under Mr. Jacopin’s charismatic leadership, Hilton Chongqing was awarded as “Best Business Hotel in Chongqing” in 2010 by Tourism Bureau of Chongqing and Chongqing Times Newspaper.
 
Having more than 12 years experiences in Food & Beverage industry, Mr. Jacopin has unique understandings of culinary cultures. Unaccustomed to the hot and spicy cuisine in Chongqing at first, he fell in love with local specialties after a short time. He remarked jokingly, “The most famous dish in Chongqing is the spicy hot pot, which I enjoy greatly because of its special atmosphere. However, my favorite is Chongqing Laziji (Sautéed Chicken with Dried Chili), which is cooked with special spices and has a tender taste.” He believes that the key of cooking is to keep the real flavors of fresh and natural ingredients. As French, he aspires to pair French cuisine with Chinese cooking. Therefore, all restaurants in the hotel offer creative dishes that combine different culinary styles. China Moon, the Chinese restaurant, serves traditional and reformed Cantonese and Sichuan cuisines, which satisfy the most fastidious taste buds with consideration for foreign guests’ preference. Long Bar & Grill adapts to the popular diet trend and lays emphasis on the pairing of food and wine. At Café@Two, which has International Buffet and “A La Carte Menu” of dishes from around the world, including Europe, Middle East, Japan and Chongqing, Executive Chef’s recommendation seasonal menu is available as well. Meanwhile, the River Lounge serves a variety of snacks and the afternoon tea with everyday fresh array of homemade pastries and dim sum. Mr. Jacopin wishes to add more diverse elements into the food while maintaining its traditional essence.
 
Mr. Jacopin pursues perfection in himself and at work due to his French characters. Graduating from School of Hospitality, Cornell University, he is fluent in French and English and could communicate in Italian. From a management intern to General Manager, he has been involved in various fields including operation and sales along his career path. The rich management experiences made him pay more attention to cultivation of talents. “As a member of Hilton, we have our unique Hilton training programs. We detect employees’ potentials, inspire them and guide them onto a brilliant career path. What Hilton values most is not only the operation of the hotel but what we can bring to our guests.” Now, Hilton Chongqing is progressing on a promising track and has gained admirable achievements. Mr. Jacopin is also in charge of Hilton Chongqing Nanshan Resort and Spa, which is still in pre-opening stage at the moment. He has high expectations for the new hotel. “With 50 different kind of hot springs, the Spa offers a unique experience which can be coupled with the golf course. It will certainly become the new fashionable destination.” Although the management of two hotels will double his workload and require a tight organization of his diary, Mr. Jacopin is confident that with the help of the efficient team around him, it will be easy for him to overcome any challenges and Hilton Chongqing Nanshan Resort & Spa will continue the glory of Hilton Chongqing.
 
In addition to their own life and work, Mr. Jacopin and his wife are actively involved in public welfare and charity events. “Living in this world, we have the duty to bring hope and light into the life of the less privileged. It is very important to help them to build self-esteem through spiritual or physical help.” Wherever they go, the couple donates some of their time or take actions to help people in need. After a visit to an orphanage, Mr. Jacopin realized that giving only money and time is not enough. More practical actions can be taken for those children and youngsters. That is why Hilton Chongqing has opened positions for youngsters from poor families with little education or with disabilities so that they could receive professional trainings. It might be the start of a career in hotel industry or just help them to stand on their own feet.
 
Just like his persistence in charity, Mr. Jacopin is firmly convinced that the introduction of an international vision to the local is a gradual process which requires insistence. Respect and tolerance will ultimately result in a perfect integration. What the Hilton brand is promoting around the world is an everlasting quality that will not be transfigured by time or space.
 

望着熙熙攘攘的码头，听着汽笛扭转着江宇的气息，岁月沉淀了三千年历史的巴蜀文化尽收眼底。作为华夏族起源的延伸，中原文化的核心，这里拥有源远流长的文化底蕴和让人惊叹的历史遗迹。沿着斑驳的墙碟，任头上风云变化，脚下金戈铁马，人世蹉跎，回叹滔滔江水旷古无言，却见证了时代与世事的变迁。而如今的重庆传承了缱绻的中华精神更增加了国际酒店文化的渲染，让我们一起走进这座城市，走进同样历史悠久的重庆希尔顿酒店。
 
此行最让人印象深刻的是冀宏飞先生热情的待客之道和充满浪漫气息的谈吐与气质。总经理先生并没有急于向我们介绍酒店的概况，而是平和的为笔者介绍了希尔顿集团的品牌理念和企业文化，他说：“希尔顿集团已经拥有100年的历史，我自己也在这个大家庭中工作了20多个春秋，所以深谙希尔顿所要传达的品质与内涵。时至今日希尔顿人依然沿袭着集团创建初始的思想，尽我们所能让客人超越期望，拥有完美的入住体验。”无论是硬件设施或者服务水平，重庆希尔顿酒店都秉持并坚持品牌的核心文化。

酒店位于长江和嘉陵江环抱之处，紧临中央商务区和城市中心，传统与现代完美融合交相辉印。423间豪华客房及套房由著名酒店室内设计师设计，辅以先进的上网及现代化设施，行政楼层伴有独立入住及退房服务的行政酒廊，客人可免费享用各种专享服务。重庆希尔顿酒店拥有面积达551平方米的大宴会厅，能同时容纳500人的大型宴会及酒会，6间同声传译室更使得该宴会厅成为国际会议召开的首选之地，7间多功能厅还配备了最先进的视听系统。此外，酒店商务楼配备了高速观光电梯，使客人在到达下一个会面地点前尽赏城市及两江美景。近在咫尺的大田湾体育场，包含了7个网球场，一个足球场和6个羽毛球练习场，使酒店成为度假旅游的至臻之选。
 
除了上述所说的设施，酒店还特别为女性客人度身设计了女士专享楼层：全透明防紫外线天棚的恒温游泳池、大型美容治疗室，还有配备了先进的心血管测量仪和有氧健身室的大型健身房及美发沙龙。
 
从这些细节不难发现冀宏飞先生是一个追求创新并且非常有魄力的人。出生于法国的他拥有超过25年丰富、专业的酒店行业服务及管理经验。提及祖国，冀宏飞先生饱含感情的说：“我非常幸运的出生在一个富足并且被时尚气息和潮流所包围的城市，这样的成长环境让我拥有更好的把握时代变化的领悟力，同时也教会我谨慎、正直、真诚的生活，不要忽略任何的梦想和完美自己的机会。”从1990年加入希尔顿集团，冀宏飞先生运用自己的卓越才能赢得了很多的荣誉与赞赏。早在2007年，冀宏飞先生就任于韩国Namhae希尔顿高尔夫度假酒店总经理，他持续发扬希尔顿全球的管理文化，使之成为韩国度假酒店中的佼佼者，同时赢得了Travel Award颁发的“韩国最佳高尔夫与水疗酒店”称号。冀宏飞先生目前就任的重庆希尔顿酒店曾获得《CONDE NAST旅行家》杂志2009年度读者评选的“亚洲百佳酒店”称号；时至今日，在他卓越的领导力下，酒店的经营业绩蒸蒸日上，获得了2010年度重庆市旅游局和重庆时报联合评选的“重庆市最佳商务酒店”等多项殊荣。
 
从事了12年酒店餐饮管理工作的冀宏飞先生，对餐饮文化自然有着自己独特的见地。初到以麻辣著称的重庆，他并不是特别习惯，但是不久便爱上了这片土地的饮食文化。他还打趣的说：“重庆最著名的是麻辣火锅，我本人非常喜欢吃火锅的气氛，但是我最喜欢的还是重庆的特色辣子鸡，独特的香料和嫩滑的鸡肉口感非常的特别。”他认为烹饪食物的关键在于保持食物新鲜的味道，并不是让香料和烹饪手法完全覆盖美食的本质，而是有一个调和的作用。作为一个法国人，冀宏飞先生非常希望可以将法国的烹饪要领和中国的烹饪方式结合起来，所以现在酒店的餐厅都可以提供经过创新和融合各种烹饪精华的菜式。酒店的醉月庭中餐厅，提供传统以及改良的粤菜和川菜，在满足味蕾的同时更加贴心地考虑了外籍客人的口感；而龙吧·扒房则是顺应当下的趋势，注重酒和食物的配搭；Café@Two西餐厅可以品尝到欧洲、中东、日本以及重庆特色的佳肴，主厨还会按照季节推出精选的菜式。同时，凌波阁大堂吧，会为客人提供自制点心和精致的下午茶。冀宏飞先生希望可以在保持食物传统和精髓的同时加入更多的元素，融入更多的餐饮文化。
 
也许冀宏飞先生身上有着法国人特有的品质精神，无论是对自身能力的要求或是对待工作都尽善尽美。他毕业于美国康奈尔大学酒店管理学院，精通法语和英语，并拥有良好的意大利语沟通能力。从管理实习生到酒店的总经理期间，冀宏飞先生还涉及管理了很多诸如运营和销售的工作。丰富的管理经验让他更加注重人才的培养，他表示：“作为每家希尔顿的一员，我们都有独特的希尔顿培训计划。发现工作人员的潜能，激发并引导他们走上一条辉煌的职业旅程，希尔顿注重的不仅仅是酒店的运作，更多的是作为希尔顿的一员能够带给客人什么。”现在的重庆希尔顿酒店已经走上正轨并且获得了一个又一个令人艳羡的成就。与此同时，冀宏飞先生还兼任着重庆希尔顿南山温泉度假酒店的总经理，对即将要开业纳宾的这家酒店他充满了期待：“酒店有超过50种的温泉设施，独特的SPA体验以及专业的高尔夫球场都会给我们的客人带来无与伦比的度假感受。”虽然这会让冀宏飞先生的工作量加倍，但是他相信，重庆希尔顿现行的专业团队一定会协助他更好的管理两家酒店，也相信重庆希尔顿南山温泉度假酒店会同样延续重庆希尔顿酒店的辉煌。
 
除了自身的生活和工作之外，冀宏飞先生和他的夫人都非常热心于公益和慈善活动。他说：“生活在这个世界上，我们有义务尽自己的所能去给身边需要的人带来希望和积极的理念，无论是精神上或是物质上，帮助他们获得应有的自尊非常重要。”无论他和夫人走到哪里都会尽其所能为需要的人提供帮助。不仅如此，在访问完孤儿院后，冀宏飞先生先生感到仅仅是捐助金钱和花时间陪伴他们是不够的，还需要更加深入的实际的行动来帮助他们。于是重庆希尔顿酒店开始聘用一些因家庭贫困而没有受过专业教育、有些甚至是残疾人士在酒店任职，让他们可以接受很好的专业培训和职业规划，真正的可以自食其力的生活。
 
大爱无疆，就像坚持慈善一样，冀宏飞先生坚信，想把品牌文化深入当地，是一点一点滴循序渐进的过程，只有理解和融合才可以达到最完美的效果。就像希尔顿品牌文化在世界的各个角落都诠释的专业气质，是一种与时间空间无涉的永恒质感。