With more than 25 years of global hospitality experience, General Manager Christoph Pouls shares his vision for positioning InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar as a refined urban resort rooted in destination, people and thoughtful luxury.
With a hospitality career spanning over two decades across Europe and Asia, Christoph Pouls brings a deeply rooted understanding of hospitality to his role as General Manager of InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar. Originally from Belgium, his journey began in the kitchen before evolving through food and beverage and into senior leadership, shaping a hands-on approach that prioritises both operational excellence and genuine guest connection.
In the following conversation with Indonesia Expat, he reflects on his journey in the industry, what drew him to Bandung, and his vision for InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar as a refined urban resort with long-term relevance.
Hi, Christoph! First of all, could you please briefly introduce yourself?
I am Christoph Pouls from Belgium, and hospitality has been part of my life from a very young age. I have spent my entire career in the industry, working across Europe and Asia. I began in the culinary field, then progressed into Food & Beverage (F&B) before moving into general management. This journey has given me a very hands-on understanding of hotel operations and, more importantly, of guest expectations. Over time, this naturally led me into broader leadership roles, and today I am truly grateful to lead the team at InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar.
You have more than 25 years of experience across Europe and Asia. What first attracted you to take on the role at InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar?
What attracted me the most was the unique combination of destination, location and potential. Bandung has a strong cultural and creative identity, and Dago Pakar offers something truly rare—a resort-like setting within the city. I often refer to the property as an urban resort. InterContinental stands for timeless luxury and a strong sense of place, and I see a very natural and powerful alignment between the brand, the destination and this hotel.
Your career began in F&B. How does that background shape your approach to leading a luxury hotel today?
F&B—particularly the culinary side—teaches discipline, empathy and attention to detail. It teaches you to understand pace, pressure and precision. That background allows me to view the hotel through the guest’s eyes, from breakfast through to dinner. Commercially, it is also invaluable, as exceptional dining and service experiences are key drivers of guest satisfaction and repeat business.
What are your top priorities in your first 90 days as General Manager of InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar?
The first 90 days are very much about listening and learning. I spend a lot of time with the team to understand what is working well and where there are opportunities for improvement. And, at the same time, I closely review guest feedback, market segmentation and overall performance to ensure we are well-positioned both operationally and commercially.
Bandung, particularly the Dago area, is known for its cool climate, natural scenery and culinary culture. How do you plan to position the hotel within this distinctive landscape?
Dago Pakar allows us to position the hotel as a true urban resort—an escape where guests can slow down, enjoy nature, and remain connected to the city. Bandung’s culinary culture is also very strong, and we want to be an active part of that conversation through relevant dining concepts as well as local experiences. Additionally, our proximity to the golf course is a significant asset and further enhances the destination appeal.
From a commercial perspective, what opportunities do you see for growth in Bandung’s leisure and corporate travel segments?
Leisure travel—particularly short breaks and staycations—continues to grow, and we are already very strong on weekends. At the same time, Bandung remains highly attractive for corporate meetings, retreats and incentive travel. Our focus is on attracting quality business rather than simply driving volume.
Regarding our February theme “Wedding & Love”, are there any new romantic or honeymoon-focused experiences at InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar that you would like to introduce?
Romance here is all about intimacy and setting. The views, the climate and the sense of space naturally create an ideal atmosphere for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries. Our focus is on crafting experiences that feel personal and meaningful rather than overly elaborate. In that sense, I believe InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar has a very distinct edge.
What do you hope guests will say about InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar after experiencing it under your leadership?
I hope guests will say they felt genuinely cared for—that the service was personal, and the overall experience calm, thoughtful and memorable. If guests leave with the desire to return, then we know that we are doing our job well.
What is next for InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar?
Regarding our next plans, the main focus is on continuous evolution. We will keep refining our offerings, strengthening our dining experiences, and enhancing the full guest journey. My goal is to ensure long-term relevance and to build a strong reputation for the hotel in Bandung and beyond.
Last but not least, how can our readers reach you and InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar?
Guests can reach us through the official InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar website, as well as our social media channels. We very much look forward to welcoming everyone!
InterContinental Bandung Dago Pakar
- Address: Jl. Resor Dago Pakar Raya No. 2B, Dago Pakar, Bandung, West Java
- Website: bandung.intercontinental.com/id
- Email: icbandung.reservation@ihg.com
- Contact Number: +62 2287 806 688
- Instagram: @intercontinental_bandung