Cape Dreams News from in and around the Cape
HERMAN R GIBBS, Cape Dreams Editor
This is not your average Dick, Thom and Harry.
For starters, his first name Clinton has a presidential ring about it.
Clinton Thom is the newly-appointed general manager for Radisson Blu Le Vendome Hotel in Sea Point. He is also the general manager of Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Newlands.
His 16 years’ experience in the hospitality industry has helped to steer Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Newlands to recent international acclaim by winning the International Guardians of Sustainability Award for diversity and inclusion, at the annual Guardian Responsible Business Awards.
Clinton Thom’s winning formula is his belief that building a community is what hospitality is all about.
On Thursday, Radisson Blu Le Vendome Hotel on Sea Point’s Platinum Mile proudly announced the appointment of Clinton Thom as general manager.
“It’s a privilege to be handed the reins of such an exciting project. I am honoured to oversee the next phase in the life of this landmark hotel, or ‘the Grande Dame’ as I like to call her. I want to position her as a market leader in the Sea Point community,” says Clinton, who studied Physiotherapy at the University of Pretoria and Business Management at Unisa.
Following the example set by Radisson Cape Town Newlands’ project, the Radisson Blu Le Vendome will similarly embrace diversity and caring for local communities by employing eight deaf team members who are involved in all aspects of operating the hotel.
“I believe in empowering and coaching people in order to develop the next wave of leaders in the hospitality industry. My philosophy is to provide excellent service to guests while unlocking the potential of staff – people are everything!
“Part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s principles is ‘Our Promise’ and that includes caring for those around us. Our Promise is our commitment to everyone who works for Rezidor,” said Thom.
Community has become the touchstone for both Thom and The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, with a motto of “think planet, think people, think together”, The Radisson Blu hotel have set its sights on becoming the leader in energy conservation, waste management and reducing environmental impact in the hospitality industry.
The hotel and staff are also involved in the Sea Point Improvement District, an initiative that addresses safety, cleanliness, assisting the homeless, and public maintenance projects in Sea Point.
“We embrace and celebrate our individuality and diversity. We encourage our teams to be unique, to be collaborative and to have fun,” said Thom.
Evoking a classic, old-world feel with charming, ultra modern touches, the Radisson Blu Le Vendome is the newest boutique-style gem in Cape Town’s fast-growing hospitality sector. It was recently refurbished at a cost of R30 million, with luxurious upgrades designed to deliver a 360-degree experience and meet every modern guest’s needs.
The hotel occupies prime space on the cosmopolitan Atlantic Seaboard, with captivating views of Cape Town’s celebrated natural landmarks, such as Table Mountain and Signal Hill.
The Sea Point Promenade is but a few steps away while a world of shopping and entertainment waits nearby in the city centre and at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Now that Clinton will adding Radisson Blu Le Vendome to his portfolio, there’s a good case to think of him as ‘Leaping’ Thom as he chaperones the ‘the Grande Dame’ of Sea Point to greater heights.
