Ms. Nguyen Thi Thao, Front Office Manager, Hanoi E Central Hotel
After graduating as a tour guide from the Faculty of Tourism, Hanoi Open University, Thao worked first at ODC Travel in Hanoi on the travel desk and as a guide from 2004-2006. With this invaluable grounding in the hospitality industry, she then moved to EHG’s Elegance Sapphire Hotel, now E Central, in 2007. Thao, a long-time employee, still remembers her early years with the group, especially the mentoring, support and guidance Ms Thuy (EHG Chairwoman) gave her. She also acknowledges her utmost respect for Mr Dan (EHG Chairman) and the attention to detail he instills in all the staff.
Thao is also motivated by the opportunities she has to learn from different cultures and is skilled in meeting guests’ requirements.
Out of her many EHG memories the most special relates to 2008. Soon after starting at Elegance Sapphire Thao met hotel guests the O’Sullivans, a family from the US. They were in Hanoi to adopt Thuy Vinh a 1-year old Vietnamese boy. Moved and inspired by their action, despite being young with little experience, Thao resolved to give them as much support as possible. She helped the O’Sullivans care for Vinh during their 3 weeks in Hanoi. From then on, the O’sullivans and Thao have kept in touch exchanging Tet and Christmas cards and she receives photos of Vinh. 7 years later in 2015, the friends reunited when the O’Sullivans returned to E Central, Hanoi. This time they brought 4½ year-old Huy with them – their second adopted Vietnamese child. One day Huy fell ill and always being able to count on Thao, she made him a cup of ginger tea and a bowl of Pho after which the little boy got better. Since then Thao continues to receive cards from both Vinh and Huy, and remains close to the O’Sullivan family.
It is inspiring stories and opportunities such as this one which make Thao proud to be a part of EHG.
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