Ouro Minas Palace Hotel

Ms. Bel Dias, Concierge

Bel Dias is 25 years old, and has been working in Ouro Minas Palace Hotel for three years (two of them as a Concierge). She graduated in Tourism and Hotelary at UNA University, in 2003. Since then, she fell in love with the hotel area and had had many experiences, in smaller ones, big hotel groups and even abroad, in Disney (Orlando - USA) and at Vatel Institute – Hotel school (France).

Bel Dias says the Concierge routine is unforecastable. 'You need to be always ready for any situation'. Besides being a Concierge, she is also the Ouro Minas' Guest Relations, working with all VIP guests, among them famous people and politicians. 'Ouro Minas receives many celebrities, thus, as a five star hotel, it has to prize for a personalised attendance'.

Accordingly Bel Dias, the professional has to like travelling, knowing different places, being interested in culture and people. She likes travelling at least once a year, making long trips through exotic and different places. 'I usually avoid the massive tourism' she said. One of her interesting hobbies is making technician visits in hotels while travelling! 'I'm always curious about knowing hotels everywhere, that's what I like!'.

She also enjoys going out with friends in her free time, and points out that, as a concierge, she always needs to be refreshed about things that are happening in city and new places to see and go.

Bel Dias says that Belo Horizonte is a city still in developing process (in tourism area) and with a great potential in Business and Event Tourism. 'Belo Horizonte is growing up, and Brazil's eyes are finally turning to our potential'.

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:

Committed to being actively involved in promoting/helping local culture, community and the environment.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:

Ouro Minas Palace Hotel cares about the community around it. The hotel helps institutions in Belo Horizonte and in Minas Gerais state. In 2006, they made donations to day-care centres, hospitals, spiritual centres and rest houses. Donations can include items such as sheets, pillow cases, slippers, mattress' protectors and blankets.

This includes the following local groups: Abrigo Maçônico Mineiro, APAE-Belo Horizonte, Shalon rest house, Vinha de Luz spiritual centre, Cirandinha day-care, Irmã Dulce day-care, Cruz Vermelha - Minas Gerais, Sofia Feldman Hospital, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Passatempo (hospital).

Since 2003, the hotel has been contributing towards promoting local cultural projects, through the Municipal and National Laws. This includes a wide range of activities including projects such as the Giramundo Theater of puppets, Group Reticência, and Primeiro Ato Dance Company.

They are also conscious of their environmental impacts, and ensure they adhere to practices such as monitoring, collecting and recycling their waste. The hotel also has a program in place for guests and staff, in order to minimise the amount of water and power wastage throughout the hotel.

Ouro Minas have been adhering to these sustainable practices since 1998, and have been improving at it each year. They maintain their commitment of helping and contributing to the local community and environment.