Boris Vrnoga

It is Monday, 28 June, and the final episode of season 4. Today, I am taking you to Amsterdam, the capital and most populous city in the Netherlands with a population of almost 900,000. Since I spent two years there during my studies, I am a fan of this beautiful country. It is not an insider tip, but whenever you have the chance to visit the Netherlands during Konigsday, which takes place on 27 April, do it! A bit more of an insider tip is my old university town, Leeuwarden, a mere one and half hours by car from Amsterdam. Go there on a Friday and visit the beautiful market. 

In today's interview, I have the huge pleasure to introduce you to the Founder and Co-Director of SBV Event & Travel Consultancy, Boris Vrnoga. Boris started SBV in May 2012 after various positions in the tourism and hospitality industry. SBV is a professional worldwide venue sourcing company and event management company.

Boris and I met a couple of years ago in Hamburg when hosting an important group of SBV. I still remember the negotiations with him as one of the toughest, but the event was also one of the most exclusive and successful ones. A few years later, we met again at The Savoy and have remained in contact through various channels. 

During the interview, we talked about the kick start of his career after graduating from hotel school, his definition of hospitality and one of his favourite anecdotes that he experienced at the Four Seasons Florence. We talked about the trust he received from his first General Manager, his advice to the younger generation and his book recommendation. One book that comes as no surprise is about one of Boris favourite drinks. Asked about his favourite travel destination, Boris not just gave one option, but named 9 of the finest hotels in the World. 

What I really like about Boris is the way he negotiates for his clients as well as his open and direct way to communicate. 

I hope you will enjoy the interview and please do not forget to #sharepositivestories.

Question 1: Where did you start your career? What do you love most about your current role? 

Boris Vrnoga (BV): “After finishing the hotel school I was offered the chance to start my career at one of the Dutch Icon hotels in The Netherlands – Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin. At the time home to the Dutch National Football Team as well as many other National and International companies, the family-run hotel – looking back – was the best start anyone could wish for. I then moved to London where I set up the Global Sales Office for Great Hotels Organization.”

Following 5 amazing years, I then moved on to Sardinia where I was given the chance to join the Luxury Collection properties in Porto Cervo and the stunning area of Costa Smeralda.

It was then when I decided to set up my boutique event agency – SBV Event & Travel Consultancy – which I am proud to say we managed to expand over the years and created a sister agency – Everest Worldwide – along the way where we get the chance to travel the world and organize some of the most exclusive events for our beloved clients.

In my current role, the thing I still enjoy the most is travelling. Meeting new people, finding new venues, hotels and creating unique experiences for our fantastic clients.

Question 2: What does hospitality mean to you?

“Always going the extra mile for your clients and the same time paying respect to your colleagues and partners”

BV: “Always going the extra mile for your clients and the same time paying respect to your colleagues and partners. I also strongly believe that one is born with some sort of hospitality and the “urge” of looking after people whether this is for business or organizing a good friend’s 40th birthday. Coming from a hospitality family myself, I certainly experienced the above first-hand in my (very) young years.”

Question 3: Can you please share an anecdote you experienced, that shows the variety and beauty of our industry?

BV: “There are so many, however, one I will always remember is when we had a site visit at the Four Seasons in Florence, where the brilliant Patrizio Cipollini (who sadly died) was at the helm. After a great visit to the hotel preparing for a special event my guest and I headed to the airport. The weather was not the best that day but certainly nothing major where we would not be able to fly back to Amsterdam.

As we arrived at the airport and noticed on the departure screens that our flight was cancelled my phone rang. It was Mr Cipollini himself, already aware that the flight was cancelled he had reserved 2 suite rooms for us and “instructed” us to come back, relax and take the next flight in the morning! It is these little things that make our industry the BEST in the world and why we do what we do with so much passion.”

Question 4: Have you had a mentor in your career? Who was it and did she/he give you a piece of advice you still follow? 

BV: “Not one mentor, however, was always very fortunate to have great “bosses” If I should name one it would be Stephan Stokkermans, General Manager at the Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin. He gave me my first chance after finishing my hotel school and in the 5 years I spend with the hotel always trusted me even though as with any young professional this would come with the occasional mistake “

Question 5: What would you like to say to a hospitality/ tourism student/professional who recently started his/her career, at this right moment? 

“Welcome to the best industry in the World!”

BV: “Welcome to the best industry in the World! Keep your eyes and ears open and listen and learn from fellow professionals and colleagues when you get the chance to meet them anywhere in the World…”

Question 6: Do you have a book recommendation - this could be everything from a novel to an autobiography, etc.

BV: “As our lives are (normally) hectic and we fly the world with our clients there is not always a lot of time to read. When I do read books, I find it often relaxing to read about our industry, food, wine, and of course champagne. A very good friend recently gave me a book which I found rather amusing and easy to read which I would recommend to anyone. It’s The Widow Clicquot which is obviously about the life of the famous house with a touch of orange (need to stay Dutch after all!)“

Question 7: Which industry expert would you like to see to answer these questions as well? 

BV: “There are so many good friends I could name here…..however, would like to recommend Ilies Kebdani, Director of Sales at the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech. We were supposed to host our client’s VIP weekend there last year September which we sadly had to postpone due to COVID. The site visit was one of the best I have ever experienced and the welcome we experienced from Ilies and all the team at the hotel, as well as local partners, was truly special and memorable.”

Question 8: What is your favourite travel destination and where would you stay there? 

BV: “So many again but just a few which I was fortunate to work and stay in the past year(s) which bring back great memories

Marrakech, Morocco – Mandarin Oriental

United Kingdom - Soho Farmhouse

Miami – The Setai

Florence – Belmond Villa San Michele

Zurich – The Dolder Grand

Cartagena – Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

Costa Smeralda – Hotel Cala di Volpe

Paris – Rosewood Hotel de Crillion

Champagne – Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa”

Boris, thank you for taking the time, and as I already told you, I cannot wait to see and welcome you to Germany. Champagne is in the fridge.