[Watch] In the Lounge With…John Blanco | Asia 2024 General Manager Finalist

Meet John Blanco, General Manager at Capella Bangkok in Thailand and a Stelliers Asia 2024 General Manager finalist.

With over 25 years in luxury hospitality, John has built an impressive career, holding impactful roles at The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and various independent luxury hotels. An American with Venezuelan roots, John’s global upbringing and proficiency in six languages have uniquely positioned him to lead and innovate in iconic destinations worldwide.

After joining Capella Bangkok in October 2018, John was instrumental in steering the property, Capella Hotels and Resorts' first in Thailand, towards operational success and premium positioning along the Chao Phraya River waterfront. His focus on community engagement has been pivotal, ensuring strong relationships with the local community that have contributed significantly to the hotel’s success, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.

In this Q&A, John shares his valuable advice for aspiring hoteliers on the importance of human skills and discusses the key hospitality trends he foresees, particularly the growing importance of community engagement in the industry.