Elmarie Fritz, the general manager of Radisson Blu, was taken aback this year when she found out about her nomination for a prestigious national hospitality award. The unexpected news was followed by a moment of astonishment as she was honoured among the country’s top general managers in the sector during a grand awards ceremony in Sandton.
Heading the Gqeberha hotel since 2021, Fritz found herself recognized alongside three other GMs in the Hotel Industry Excellence category of the CMO Awards at the Hilton Hotel earlier this month. These awards, held globally, celebrate elite brand custodians, advertisers, and managers across diverse industries, with this year marking the inclusion of outstanding hospitality professionals for the first time.
Reflecting on her accolade, Fritz expressed humility, stating, “To be among the first recipients of this award is truly humbling. Until I arrived at the event, I wasn’t entirely certain what to expect.” Amidst a gathering of high-profile guests, she confessed to feeling somewhat insignificant in such distinguished company.
The evaluation for Fritz and her peers encompassed criteria such as leadership, critical thinking, financial acumen, innovation, guest satisfaction, and sustainability contributions. Despite her natural inclination towards modesty, Fritz attributed her success to her exceptional team at Radisson, emphasizing their pivotal role in her achievements.
Acknowledging the support of Radisson’s board of directors for entrusting her with the role of GM, Fritz credited her leadership style, characterized by trust in her ten heads of department, whom she regards as leaders shaping their teams effectively.
Regarding her approach to management, Fritz emphasized communication over coercion, preferring dialogue and empathy to authoritarianism. While she hadn’t pursued awards, Fritz found validation in her recognition, viewing it as affirmation of her professional trajectory.
However, Fritz remains resolute in her commitment to continuous improvement, viewing the award as a catalyst for further growth rather than a culmination of her efforts. Furthermore, she sees the award as a boon for Gqeberha, elevating its status within South Africa’s hospitality sector.
Reflecting on her journey, Fritz expressed gratitude to her mentors, particularly Natalie Bright at Fancourt on the Garden Route, who provided her with an opportunity to flourish in the industry. Despite the demands of her role, Fritz remains focused on the hotel’s ongoing operations, reserving celebrations for the group’s next quarterly meeting.
Fritz’s unwavering dedication to excellence and her emphasis on teamwork serve as guiding principles, propelling both her and Radisson Blu toward continued success on the national stage.
