Mr. Bootsma holds a degree in hospitality and a European Master of Business Administration, which he completed at the Reims Management School. He is married, an avid arts lover and cigar aficionado, and looking forward to making Budapest his home.

"I am delighted to have arrived in Budapest and am looking very much forward to explore its rich cultural heritage and to further develop the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest to new heights along with the experienced and truly warm-hearted people in my team," said Emile Bootsma, General Manager.

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived two weeks ago to take up my position as GM of the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, I came from Beijing before moving to Budapest. Previously I have worked 3 years in Cape Town. In fact I have never worked in my home country apart from some casual jobs during my hotel school times.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Since I came well prepared and already had some Hungarian friends and contacts, not so many things, the most significant surprise would be the excellent development of the wine industry both in product and packaging.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
To get a quick overview of the city, they should take the first hop-on, hop off bus to then select their favorite stops for the next round. Budapest is so rich in heritage and historical sites that everyone will find something or some place to their liking, be it in art, culture, music, fashion and not to forget culinary.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
This will be between the numerous Foie Gras delicacies and a fresh kürtőskalács from the Christmas Market right behind the hotel, but I am sure I will explore further over the weeks to come…

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
A good bottle of champagne to celebrate fine moments in life

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
So far I am familiar with Köszönöm…

8. What do you miss most from home?
My family and friends, the great fresh produce markets and cozy Dutch grand cafes

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Musician

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Any job where a friendly smile is not allowed

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Maledives

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Cape Town, South Africa or Fort Lauderdale, USA to visit friends

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Music – Prince, Billy Joel & Jazz
Film – Star Wars & The Godfather
Hobby – Soccer, Music

14. What can't you resist?
Dark Chocolate
Freshly baked German Sour Dough Bread

15. Red wine or white?
Depends on the weather and occasion, a nice rosé if undecided…

16. Book or movie?
Movie

17. Morning person or night person?
I would say evening person…

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Children without families

19. Buda or Pest side?
I have not decided yet, but tend to Pest

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Impossible is nothing
Always look on the bright side of life