Xi'an's cultural and tourism market has been red-hot since the beginning of the year, with several hotels experiencing peak occupancy during holidays like the Spring Festival, May Day, and the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival.

Having worked in hotel management for over 30 years and currently employed at a hotel in Xi'an, Valentine Tnay from Malaysia finds himself "tired but happy", emphasizing the need to provide professional, comfortable, and warm services to live up to guests' expectations.

Valentine Tnay currently works at a hotel in Xi'an. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

At 57, Tnay derives additional joy from his nightly bike rides, allowing him to observe and appreciate the city's charm from a fresh perspective and helping him to better operate and manage the hotel.

Graduating from St. Joseph's Institute in Kuching, Malaysia in 1986 with a background in finance, Tnay stumbled into the hotel industry.

Valentine Tnay likes cycling during his spare time. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

His connection with China dates back to 1993, when he worked at a hotel in Shanghai. Since 2000, he has held key management positions in high-end international chain hotels in cities like Beijing, Dalian, Chengdu, Yantai, and Shenzhen.

In January 2023, he was sent to work in Xi'an and is currently engaged in management duties at an InterContinental Hotel in Xi'an.

Focusing on Xi'an's unique characteristics and enhancing the hotel's local flair are Tnay's keys to success. For instance, the hotel rooms are stocked with seasonal fruits like pomegranates, kiwis, and persimmons, Shaanxi-style beverages like bingfeng and sour plum soup, and Xi'an specialties like crystal cakes and stone steamed buns.

Upon checkout, guests receive gifts such as terracotta warrior figurines, traditional Chinese fridge magnets, and paper-cut artworks.

Valentine Tnay tastes delicious Xi'an food. [Photo/Xi'an news network]

Tany noted that Xi'an not only marks the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, but also serves as a pivotal hub for the Belt and Road Initiative. He hopes to prolong his stay in Xi'an so that he can delve deeper into the unique charm of this ancient city.