Southern comfort

Top and above: Claudio Nardini says for him hospitality is a constant learning process; Sheraton Huzhou Hotel where Nardini is now headed. Photos Provided to China Daily

Claudio Nardini's job as a hotel manager has taken him all around the world, but it wasn't until he reached Futian that he found a place to call home away from his native Rome

Having lived in 12 countries across 40 years, Claudio Nardini is what you might call a true citizen of the world.

But it wasn't until he reached China that the 55-year-old found a place to settle away from his native Rome.

Nardini moved to Futian, a district of Shenzhen in southern China, in 2009 and now regards it as his "home away from home". But being a hotel manager for a chain with many branches, he will soon leave his beloved Futian to take up a new role for the company in Huzhou, Zhejiang province.

"When I arrived in Futian, the environment and the people made me feel at home," he says. "The infrastructure and safety in Futian, the friendship and warmth of the people, made me feel an integral part of the district. And the district, in my opinion, is a great example of development in China."

Nardini was general manager of Sheraton Shenzhen Futian Hotel, part of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide company, which operates more than 1,100 hotels and resorts globally.

He joined Starwood in 1980, starting at the Sheraton Amman in Jordan, before moving to a variety of other locations including Qatar, Egypt and Sanya, which is where he began his stint in China as general manager of Sheraton Sanya Resort in Hainan province.

Nardini describes Futian as "vibrant, innovative and safe".

He says: "As Shenzhen is a new city, about 31 years old, the local people are a minority. It is a city of 12 million habitants, but the majority are young immigrants from all over China, making the city constantly very alive, happy, motivated and challenging. The young generation demonstrates clearly the aspiration, drive and persistence of the Chinese people."

He was impressed by the planning of Futian too. "The infrastructure is very good, from the spacey road layout, to the green parks, to the buildings' marvelous structures and finally to the very convenient public transportation systems," he says.

"In Futian district basically there is everything that any individual or family would need, from shops of all kinds, to public areas of enjoyment, to schools, to international chain hotels; I cannot think of any facility not available. So, for me, Futian has been a constant discovery and almost every week I find something new."

After years living in the district Nardini picked up some local habits, such as drinking tea and eating dim sum, a typical teatime activity in Guangdong province.

"Hospitality is a people business, therefore for me it is a constant learning process," he says.

"The culture, the thinking outlook, the do's and don'ts, the culinary areas of the Chinese kitchen all fascinate me. I like Chinese food in general and very often I enjoy a variety of dim sum. I have searched out and tried most of the restaurants in the city."

Futian is an extremely international district. According to data from Futian district government, in 2012, about 7,600 expats lived in the district, mainly from Europe and the US. The district is also home to over 1,500 foreign companies, branches of 12 Fortune 500 enterprises, including Apple and Walmart.

The district government is aiming to expand its international appeal over the next decade with a series of cross-cultural activities.

In November, the district held a symposium with expatriates, asking for their suggestions on how to develop.

Yang Hong, district head, has said Futian People's Hospital will be renovated to meet first class international standards within three years.

Liu Qingsheng, the district's Party chief, has also stated that the government is devoted to helping foreign professionals succeed in Futian.

"Indeed Futian in all aspects is a very international district," says Nardini. "The gorgeous architectural design I suppose is the envy of many other metropolises.

"As a foreign expert living and working in Futian, I have to say without hesitation that this is the best place I have lived since I left my hometown, Rome in Italy, considering that I have worked in 12 countries."

Last year, Nardini received the First Futian International Friendship Award given to him by Shenzhen Futian Government, for his contribution and work in the area.

Nardini has received many hotel management awards in his life, but says this one is different.

"It has been a real privilege and honor for me to be recognized and receive the award," he says. "I have received many awards during my tenure in China, and this one is indeed very special, memorable and treasurable."

Nardini has been living in China for 10 years and outside of his native Italy much longer.

He says he sometimes feels like an international citizen rather than an Italian.

"When I was a kid, I decided to leave Rome to perfect my English," he says. "After 40 years or so, I am still traveling around the world."

linjing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 03/22/2013 page28)