Following InterContinental Taichung‘s recent recognition as the Best Luxury Lifestyle Hotel in Taiwan by Luxury Lifestyle Awards, Alexander Chetchikov, president of World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, sat down with Eric Swanson. As General Manager of InterContinental Taichung, Swanson discusses the hotel’s success and vision for the future. His insights provide a glimpse into the refined luxury and exemplary service that have set the hotel apart in Taiwan’s competitive hospitality industry.

Alexander Chetchikov: Congratulations on winning the Best Luxury Lifestyle Hotel in Taiwan award from Luxury Lifestyle Awards! Can you share what this recognition means for InterContinental Taichung and how it reflects your team’s vision?

Eric Swanson: This recognition is both humbling and inspiring. From the very beginning, our vision for InterContinental Taichung was to redefine luxury in central Taiwan by blending world-class standards with the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality. To receive this award so early in our journey is a testament to the passion, dedication, and creativity of our entire team. It validates that our focus on creating authentic, memorable experiences resonates with our guests and places us firmly on the map of global luxury hospitality.

AC: As the General Manager of InterContinental Taichung, what do you think sets the hotel apart in terms of delivering luxury experiences to guests?

ES: True luxury is not just about aesthetics or amenities — it is about how a guest feels throughout their journey with us. What sets us apart is our ability to anticipate needs and create highly personalized moments, whether through culinary artistry, thoughtful design, or genuine service gestures. Every element, from our Michelin-recommended dining to our curated art installations, is designed to surprise, delight, and leave a lasting impression.

AC: Taiwan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. How does InterContinental Taichung incorporate local elements into its luxury offerings while maintaining an international standard?

ES: We are deeply inspired by Taiwan’s culture and heritage. Our restaurants highlight local ingredients and reinterpret them through global culinary techniques — for instance, Ming Juan Lou celebrates Cantonese cuisine with Taiwanese flavors, while Cai Yue Hot Pot elevates a beloved dining tradition. Design elements throughout the hotel pay homage to local artistry, while our partnerships with regional tea growers, artisans, and musicians create an immersive sense of place. By weaving these local touches into the InterContinental brand’s international DNA, we give guests a luxury experience that is both authentic and globally relevant.

AC: Given your extensive experience in the hospitality industry, how do you stay ahead of trends to ensure your hotel remains at the forefront of luxury service and innovation?

ES: I believe innovation comes from listening — to our guests, to our colleagues, and to the evolving world around us. We closely observe shifts in travel behavior, such as the growing demand for wellness, sustainability, and curated cultural immersion. Our team constantly explores new concepts, whether it is launching unique dining formats like the Anti-Pasta semi-buffet at Il Limone or integrating digital touchpoints that enhance convenience without losing the human touch. My philosophy is that a luxury hotel must always balance timeless elegance with contemporary relevance.

AC: What roles do sustainability and eco-conscious practices play in the luxury experience at InterContinental Taichung, and how do these align with guest expectations?

ES: Sustainability is no longer an option; it is an expectation, especially among luxury travelers. At InterContinental Taichung, we have embedded eco-conscious practices across operations — from energy efficiency and waste reduction programs to sourcing ingredients from local farms. Even our culinary experiences reflect this philosophy by emphasizing seasonality and reducing food waste. Our guests appreciate knowing that their stay contributes positively to the environment and community. In my view, true luxury today is about responsibility as much as indulgence.

AC: The luxury market is constantly evolving. How do you anticipate the future of luxury hospitality in Taiwan, and how is InterContinental Taichung preparing for the next wave of luxury travelers?

ES: Taiwan is on the cusp of becoming a key luxury destination in Asia, with travelers seeking experiences beyond the traditional gateways. The next wave of luxury will focus on authenticity, wellness, and cultural storytelling. InterContinental Taichung is preparing by deepening our culinary and cultural programming, investing in digital innovations that enhance personalization, and strengthening our partnerships with the local creative community. We see ourselves not just as a hotel but as a cultural hub for central Taiwan.

AC: With service excellence as a common priority, what specific measures do you take to ensure that every guest feels a personalized and elevated experience throughout their stay?

ES: It begins with empowering our colleagues. We provide training not only in technical skills but in emotional intelligence, encouraging them to connect with guests on a personal level. We maintain detailed guest preference records so that returning visitors feel immediately recognized and valued. From arranging tailored dining experiences to anticipating special occasions, every interaction is an opportunity to elevate the guest journey. It’s the human touch that transforms good service into unforgettable service.

AC: Lastly, what do you personally find most rewarding about being a part of the InterContinental Taichung family and working in the hospitality industry at large?

ES: For me, the greatest reward lies in creating moments that matter. Hospitality is one of the few industries where we have the privilege of being part of people’s most cherished memories — a wedding, a family reunion, a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Leading InterContinental Taichung, I also take pride in mentoring the next generation of hoteliers and building a culture where our colleagues feel inspired and valued. At its heart, hospitality is about people, and there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing both our guests and our team thrive.

Thank you so much for your time, Eric, and for sharing your valuable insights into the world of luxury hospitality and the vision behind InterContinental Taichung. We look forward to seeing how the hotel continues to thrive and redefine luxury travel in Taiwan!

To learn more about InterContinental Taichung, visit https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/tw/zh/taichung/rmqtt/hoteldetail.