Pande Sutawan is the Corporate General Manager of the Pita Maha Group, overseeing various entities, including hotels, a restaurant, a museum, a car maintenance company, and a tourism school. Born in Bali, he studied tourism and business at Udayana University and pursued international education in the USA. Sutawan has been with the Pita Maha Group since 1996 and is involved in lecturing at universities. He also has a background in Balinese dance.
The Pita Maha Group’s notable hotels include the Tjampuhan Spa, a nearly century-old establishment, and the Pita Maha Royal, built in 2006. Sutawan discusses the exciting initiatives and challenges faced by the hospitality industry. Dynamic changes, such as digitalization and sustainability, pose challenges, requiring continuous adaptation. The group emphasizes Balinese cultural values, focusing on the harmonious balance between God, humans, and nature.
Sutawan highlights the importance of meeting guests’ needs while caring for staff members and their families. The “No Plastic Is Fantastic” campaign reflects their commitment to waste management and sustainability. Achieving sustainability targets is a source of motivation for the staff, fostering confidence in facing new challenges.
In terms of hospitality trends, Sutawan notes the global concern for the environment, with a growing awareness of the need for sustainability. He emphasizes the preference for smaller, eco-friendly hotels with more greenery. Pita Maha Royal, situated on 16 hectares of land with only 75 villas, aligns with this trend, offering a focus on nature, happiness, and health. Sutawan emphasizes the uniqueness of Bali’s natural surroundings, stating that its appeal cannot be replicated elsewhere.
