Fleur Caulton, CEO of the Go To Collection of nine restaurants - Rata, Madam Woo and Hawker & Roll - talks about the "brutal" effect of Covid-19 on hospitality and tourism, and why opening the
Leading questions: Covid19 has been brutal says Queenstown restaurateur Fleur Caulton
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Jane Phare
Restaurateur and businesswoman Fleur Caulton says the effect of Covid-19 has been "brutal" on the hospitality industry. Photo/Daz Caulton
Q: How do you think the Government has handled the Covid-19 crisis?
A: Overall the Government handled the Covid 19 situation well. Clear leadership and the communication to New Zealanders was outstanding.
The Government could have engaged with the tourism/hospitality industry with more balance and empathy.
Q: What are two key things the Government should do for economic recovery?
A: Open the borders in a deliberate and planned way as early as possible. However, we do not need false starts. Support and encourage the availability/ mobility of labour so that SME's have access to a wide employee pool.
Q: How is your business planning to tackle 2021?
A: Cautiously optimistic with plenty of agility. We will need to adapt very quickly to decisions and events which take place.
Q: What will be the major challenges and/or opportunities for your industry?
A: A sluggish economy with little or no tourism will be our biggest challenge in hospitality. Planning will need to be very flexible. How will the CBD areas of our major cities be revitalised?
Opportunities - definitely some international tourists, New Zealand has plenty to offer.
Q: What was the most interesting non-Covid story of 2020?
A: The election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President and Vice President of the US.
Q: What are your predictions for 2021?
A: Definitely expect the unexpected. Many more twists and turns to Covid-19. New Zealand to retain the America's Cup.
![CEO of the Go To Collection of nine restaurants Fleur Caulton won't be taking a summer break. Photo/Daz Caulton](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/E4QSP2AJ26AF6HUO23NFCX5U64.jpg?auth=d37f81d54a459a8baca7e467e4f153c69a26cea7854cb45b24b5daa6519c8930&width=16&height=20&quality=70&smart=true)
Q: What's the worst mistake you've made in business?
A: Doubting my gut instincts, and not delegating fast enough.
Q: What would you rate as your greatest success in business?
A: The many wonderfully talented people inside my business and the amazing people I have around me outside of my business. Without them I would not have the successes I have had.
Q: Where are you holidaying this summer?
A: No rest for the wicked in hospitality so staying pretty close to home. Queenstown's an incredibly place to be this time of year, feeling very privileged.