Guided by a mutual passion for the hospitality industry, former colleagues and opening team members of the world-renowned Table Bay Hotel, decided to combine their experience, skills and talents to create a comprehensive consulting firm.
The aim is to offer products that are designed to enhance the service levels of existing businesses and implement systems and standards for future operations.
Each service product is individually designed to suit the needs of the client with an aim to improve profitability through service excellence.
By bridging the gap between experience, knowledge and skills in the South African hospitality industry the ultimate aim of guest satisfaction as demanded by the international market will be achieved.
The unique cohesive service being provided by Catherine Forbes and Chretien Ploum will allow clients to focus on their core business.
Santé Winelands Hotel, a top spa resort awarded by Conde Naste Traveller, where Catherine Forbes was part of the opening team.
Catherine Forbes has held Senior Management positions in top 5-star hotels including one “Leading Hotels of the World”.
Catherine's genuine passion for the hospitality industry was developed during the opening of the world renowned Table Bay Hotel. Instrumental in the development of a team that successfully cornered the Groups and Incentives market in Cape Town, she was seconded to set up the same department at Sun International's Royal Livingstone and Zambezi Sun in Zambia. In 2003, Catherine was offered and accepted the position of Sales and Marketing Manager at the Santé Winelands Hotel.
The Santé Winelands Hotel was rated one of the top 16 hotel spas in the world by UK Elle Magazine within 6 months of opening. It was also awarded top spa resort by Conde Naste Traveller in October 2004.
“Hospitality is all about helping you rebuild, develop, expand and strengthen your core relationship with guests. Here, we believe that the positive deserves as much ink as the negative.”
“Combined with exceedingly high standards and a lifelong passion for guest satisfaction, our services not only ensure, but guarantee a truly individual approach within your business. These are unique, tailored strategies that have now become the demand of the industry.”
Chretien Ploum has many years experience in the international hospitality industry, holding Management positions at the prestigious 5-star Table Bay Hotel as well as the first ocean-going 5-star residential resort, The World.
Chretien was part of the opening team for both the Table Bay Hotel and “The World” and has extensive experience in hotel pre-openings and openings.
Chretien joined the opening team of “The World” in February 2002. It is the first ocean-going 5-star residential resort, featuring privately owned luxury apartments, as well as guest suites. Its 5-star facilities include four restaurants and five bars, full tennis court and golf club, as well as a theater and casino, health spa by “Clinique La Prairie”.
Chretien's passion lies in Food and Beverage. He is a member of Chevaliers de Méduse. One of the most prestigious associations in France, the Ordre Illustre des Chevaliers de Méduse was founded in 1690 and has since its reinstatement in the 1950's, been promoting the “gourmand” lifestyle and the wines of Provence. The Priory “The World” has the main objective to create a bridge across cultures through the mutual passion for good food and wine. In the position of Cellar Master, Chretien was able to visit the main wine growing regions of the world and as such exposed his palate to the best wines available.
Kitchen Specialist Walter Butti of Msasa International Consulting
Swiss born Walter Butti started his career 21 years ago and has built an extensive CV that includes positions in Five Star Hotels and Michelin Star restaurants in Europe and South Africa. Most recently, Walter has held the position of Executive Chef on 'The World', as well as Relief F&B Manager. In South Africa, he was Group Executive Chef of Hunter's Country House, which also included Gorah Elephant Camp and Tsala Treetop Lodge-all part of Relais & Chateaux, Golden Fleur de Lis. Achievements include: Top 100 Restaurants in South Africa by Wine Magazine 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Both Catherine Forbes and Chretien Ploum were members of the management team that achieved “Leading Hotels of the World” status at the Table Bay Hotel (Sun International).
The Table Bay Hotel achieved Top 100 Conde Naste status with a world ranking of 13th only one year after opening in 1997 - as well as a ranking of the 4th in the world and 1st in Africa and the Middle East in 2002.