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Arif J. Hashmi has emerged as one of the point persons in the international community in Baku. He is overall in charge of Hyatt Park and Hyatt Regency Baku. Jeffrey Silverman, editor of Azerbaijan Today spent an afternoon visiting with him in discussing his unique management style and what contributions that Hyatt Hotels are making to the development of Azerbaijan and the region.Hyatt Baku, still often referred to by the name of the original Hotel Nakhichevan has emerged as a center of business in a multi-building complex consisting of a 159-room hotel with a stand-alone nightclub and a fitness center
with a membership of 1200. Many international companies and three embassies are also housed in the facility
A.T.: Can you tell me something about Hyatt and the business climate in Azerbaijan?
A.H.: Let me start with some history. This town has changed since first arriving in 1995. Everything had to be imported and we even had to buy toilet paper and water from abroad. Azerbaijan is quite a different place today and it is continues to change. These processes are tied to the oil industry: "As oil goes so goes Baku." The business here, especially in the hospitality is like an extended family. We are all going to profit and feast together or we are going to suffer together. The oil boom is in the works and everybody is waiting to when the international companies hit substantial
amounts. There are three to four Western quality hotel operations here; we are not really competitors. We each have our market niche and direction of focus. Hyatt is fortunate in that we never experienced any
difficulties from the very start.
A.T.: What advise would you give a first time business visitor who wanted to start some kind of commercial enterprise in Azerbaijan?
A.H.: I would tell them that it was important to understand local laws, customs and regulations. Many foreigners have made expensive mistakes by not fully understanding the tax code. To put it simply, "get yourself a good accountant and attorney before getting in
too deep." If you don't consider "due diligence" when making business you are asking for troubles. One must be aware of the finer details and nothing can be accepted at face value, especially when taking those first important steps.
A.T.: Where does tourism state in the bigger picture of things and what role does Hyatt Hotels play in this field.
A.H.: We work closely with the Ministry of Youth and Tourism, and were active in a trade fairs in both Moscow and Baku. We see ourselves as strategic partners with the tourism industry. This is a field that is wide open with many opportunities for both Baku
and the regions. Project "Destination Azerbaijan" is an important initiative by government and the business community to bring together those that are interested in development this industry. Like I said before, "much is connected to how the oil industry goes - so goes tourism too!"
A.T.: Why would a client chose Hyatt facilities over another and how would you define hospitality management?
A.H.: One gets what they pay for is the simple answer - as American would say: "the bang for the buck." We understand that we are in Baku because of our customers and those that want to have access to a service that is different. Not the other way around! We offer something for
everybody and this is what sets us apart from the rest. Hospitality management is the management of guest and property for the full benefit of guests, owners and the community. The objective is for the guest to fully enjoy his or her stay - wanting to return as a repeat customer. It also entails
confidentiality and a sense of security in that all aspects of the stay have been considered, even personal security.
A.T.: How safe should guest feel and what if somebody becomes ill?
A.H.: Three embassies are located on the grounds of Hyatt Baku and this is not a coincidence. We work closely with their security staff and share information with local police. I
cannot give you all the details but our security is good. In terms of health, when a guest becomes ill, we work closely with the German medical center and assist in coordinating
the international evacuations of someone in case of more serious medical emergencies. Security and health are things that many take for granted, but these are very important
when home is so far away.
A.T.: What can you say about training programs and staff professional development?
A.H.: We work closely with a local vocational training program in food preparation and have 10 to 15 interns working at any given time. Those that prove
themselves during the in-service training are often provided with full-time jobs when they graduate from the government-sponsored program. Moreover, we
are always having in-house training for staff members in raising their professional skills.
A.T.: Can you share some final works about family and adjustment to life in Baku?
A.H.: Adjustment is not a problem since I have been working in Azerbaijan since 1995 and have many friends and my work keeps me busy. I have a wonderful wife, Naureen, and we
are delighted in sharing the joy of a three-year-old daughter, Afreen. My wife is expecting a second child in September. We are fully part of Baku and expect to become ever closer in the future.
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