Rutger Verschuren, a Dutch national, came to Asia in 1988 with a one-way ticket.
Being a Certified Hotel Administrator (BA and CHA-AHLEI), he has held several General Manager posts and spent years in Indonesia, Philippines, Libya and Thailand, where he met his wife. They have two children.
He has been a resident of Macau since 2008, and is Area Vice President – Macau Operations for Artyzen Hospitality Group, a subsidiary of Shun Tak Holdings. Artyzen operates two hotels in Macau: Grand Coloane Resort and Grand Lapa.
Previously, Rutger was COO Hospitality for Shun Tak Holdings Ltd; Managing Director of Sheraton Macao Hotel; and Vice President Operations of Dusit International from 2001-2008. Since 2014, he has been Chairman of the French Macau Chamber of Commerce (FMCC, formerly FMBA) and Board Member of Macau European Chamber of Commerce and SKAL Macau.
What’s your idea of a perfect day?
Starting with a lazy breakfast at home followed by going out with my family exploring new things. Having some nice coffee in a newly discovered place, possibly sitting outdoors. Enjoying a lazy meal, listening to stories, and laughing together. Ending up with a good movie or reading a book and sleeping early!
If you could go back in time to any event in history, what would it be?
That would be to any point in time to meet and talk to my dad as he passed away when I was born. I would love to have known him and to have been able to give him a hug.
What’s your favorite book?
I recently read The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown, which intrigued me a lot with its many mysteries and insights into symbolism. On a different note, I am listening more and more to spoken summaries of non-fiction books on Blinkist.
And your favorite singer/ band?
Very difficult question! I was a DJ at my own drive-in discotheque during my study years, and have favorite singers and bands for every mood and occasion! Today, I would like to mention Barry White with his Love Unlimited Orchestra. I find his voice magnificent and music soothing with its seductive blend of soul, disco and classic strings.
Who is your hero?
My mum! At 88 still going strong, she always puts others first and never minds the hurdles. Wise and understanding, patient and brave, generous and with good laughs, she is the best. Also, my visually impaired sister is well-deserving of the hero title. Despite many personal obstacles, she keeps conquering the world, taking a lead position in the association for blind, playing voluntary music for the elderly and traveling the country with her guide dog. Never gives up. Hats off!
What can always cheer you up when you are having a bad day?
Haha, my daughter’s stories are the best. Her happy talk always does the trick.
What’s your worst habit?
Better ask those around me, and let me know!
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Although my wife told me I would secretly wish for bread, Dutch cheese and croquettes, I would really go for a Thai Som Tam salad with some grilled chicken and boiled egg on the side.
If you could retire tomorrow what would you do?
It won’t be for a long while, but if and when, I would love to travel at a slow pace to far-away places we have never seen before; keep my mind sane by learning entirely new things and try to stay meaningful by giving back to society with community work, teaching, sharing knowledge and alike. It will be a busy retirement!
What’s your favourite place in Macau?
Besides home and our Macau hotels 🙂 , Coloane with its lovely village and green mountains and seaside.
