My name is Gert Jan. I was born and raised on Ameland, where I still happily live with my partner Nathalie. Together we have one son. I work as a Revenue Manager for the Wadden Islands cluster within WestCord Hotels.

How did your journey from Front Office to Revenue Management unfold?
After 19 years at another hotel on Ameland – starting as an administrative assistant and eventually becoming Front Office Manager – I felt it was time for a new challenge. In 2007, I came across the vacancy for Front Office Manager at WestCord Hotel Noordsee. I was immediately drawn to the hotel and WestCord’s vision, and on May 1, 2007, I started in this role.

In 2022, WestCord introduced a new structure with clusters for sales, marketing, and revenue. For the Wadden Islands, the Revenue Manager position was still open. Since I already had an affinity for analyzing data and optimizing occupancy and revenue, I seized the opportunity. I was eager to develop further and expressed my interest in taking on this new challenge. Since April 2022, I have been fulfilling this role for five Wadden hotels.

Why did you choose Revenue Management, and what exactly do you do?
I have always been fascinated by numbers and analysis. My administrative education in business administration laid the foundation for my interest in data and financial processes. At Hotel Noordsee, alongside my Front Office role, I was already involved in revenue management, which I found both challenging and interesting at the time.

As a Revenue Manager, I optimize hotel revenue by actively managing pricing, availability, and distribution channels. I develop pricing strategies based on demand and supply, seasonal influences, competition, and historical data. Every day, I analyze occupancy rates, booking patterns, and market trends, prepare forecasts, and compare results with budgets. I always work closely with sales, marketing, and operations to ensure we seize opportunities and successfully execute the chosen strategy.

What makes your work enjoyable and challenging?
It’s the combination of analysis, strategic thinking, and teamwork that makes the job so engaging. The hospitality industry is dynamic, and no two days are the same. It’s highly rewarding to see all the hotels in the cluster achieve their goals – proof that the strategy works and that teamwork delivers results.

How would you describe the culture at WestCord Hotels?
At WestCord, I experience an open, engaged, and collegial work atmosphere. Communication lines are short, which enables quick decision-making and good collaboration. There is a lot of trust in each other’s expertise and room for personal input. Even though I partly work from home, I always feel part of the team.

WestCord is also a family business, and you notice it in everything: personal contact, commitment, and a sense of working towards something together.

“You’re given the space to contribute ideas, take responsibility, and develop yourself.”

What makes working on the Wadden Islands special?
Each island has its own character and dynamics. Seasonal influences, weather conditions, accessibility, and the strong bond guests have with “their” island make the work challenging. It’s rewarding to use strategy and data to respond to these specific circumstances, even though I no longer work on-site every day.

What tips do you have for anyone aspiring to a career in hospitality?
My main tip: “Believe in yourself and your abilities.” Be flexible, eager to learn, and guest-oriented. Show initiative, don’t be afraid to propose new ideas, and share your knowledge. Success often requires patience, but dedication and teamwork are always appreciated.

What are your favorite places on the Wadden Islands?
As someone born and raised on Ameland, I might be a bit biased about “my” island… But I’ve also had wonderful experiences on the other islands, each with its unique spots.

On Vlieland, for example, I took a trip with the Vliehors Express, ending at the rescue house with juttersbitter and live music.
On Terschelling, I highly recommend a mudflat walking tour with an experienced guide. You literally walk across the seabed, learn about flora and fauna, and finish with fresh oysters straight from the mudflats – “a truly authentic island moment.”