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www.barvikhahotel.com
INTERVIEW Michael Markowski
Fernando Rojo is an expert in the field of hotel business and a successful manager from Barcelona. In the mid-1990s, he graduated from the prestigious College of Hospitality and Tourism, Sant Ignasi, and began his brilliant career. The combination of a rich European experience, knowledge of the characteristics of hotel business and a creative approach to the profession, allowed Fernando to become one of the best hotel managers in Europe. Now Fernando Rojo is leading the luxury Barvikha Hotel & SPA in Moscow.
not the way it is in fact. But the Russian and Spanish culture are very close after 2011, as it was the dual year of Spain and Russia. The summer of 2011 Barvikha Luxury Village was hosting a master class of the most influential chef in the world and ambassador of the Spanish culture Chef Ferran Adria. I think this is a good example of my commitment to interact hospitality with the chance to learn more, as the two cultures are now closer than ever.
Probably there are more luxury activities concentrated in Moscow than in any other European capital.
Surely, you used to have a certain opinion about
Russian culture and people. Did it change after
the moving?
Yes, my understanding of living in Russia was
As a general manager of gorgeous Barvikha
Hotel & Spa you might know everything about
luxury in Moscow. Is there any differences be-
In your opinion, is the luxury sector in Moscow presented on a high enough level?
Moscow is hosting some of the top luxury hospitality industry events, where the top brands have the mandatory participation due to the importance of the Russian clientele. The Russian people are one of the top market origins for many destinations. About luxury lifestyle, in general, are present also high-end exhibitions like Moscow Millionaire Fair or Millionaire Boat Show as example of level for targeting the luxury
SUMMER 2012
Fernando, how long have you lived in Moscow and what brought you here?
I made one year not so long time ago. However Russia is not new for me as six years ago I have worked in Sochi, the most popular summer vacation destination in Russia. Barvikha Hotel and SPA is a unique project and the reason I am in Moscow today.
tween the life of the Russian high class and the European one?
I could say that Moscow is very active as a big city itself. You have a lot of activities in terms of luxury lifestyle including gastronomy, shows and fashion events. Barvikha Hotel and SPA belongs to the Mercury Group – the leading luxury retail company in Russia that owns fashion and jewelry boutiques, car showrooms, TSUM department store and Barvikha Luxury Village.
The clients in Moscow have a very good taste and our events are top-notch. Most probably there are more luxury activities concentrated in Moscow than in any other European capital.