In hospitality, the most memorable moments are often the simplest ones: a smile at the door, a genuine welcome, or the feeling that a guest truly belongs. For Tomas Kastberg Andersen, Regional Director of Operations, those values were shaped not only through a career in hospitality, but through a life lived across many countries, cultures and communities.

Having worked and lived across Denmark, France, the UK, New Zealand, East Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Saudi Arabia, Tomas’ understanding of hospitality has been shaped by far more than hotels alone. Each country has offered a different lesson in people, traditions, generosity,service, food, rituals and what it means to make someone feel welcome.

“My first hospitality job was stewarding at Copenhagen Airport Restaurants. It taught me quickly that if you smile, the guest will smile back.”

It was a simple lesson, but one that became the foundation of a career built around connection, curiosity and warmth. Over time, that lesson grew deeper. Living in different parts of the world taught Tomas that hospitality is never one-size-fits-all. It changes from country to country, from culture to culture, and often from person to person.

A Career Shaped by Cultural Experience

From Denmark to Saudi Arabia, and from New Zealand to East Malaysia, Tomas’ journey has been defined by learning from the people and places around him. Every destination brought a different perspective on what hospitality means and how it is experienced.

In some cultures, hospitality is expressed through formality and precision. In others, it is found in generosity, storytelling, food, family, humour or a simple act of kindness. For Tomas, these differences have shaped a strong belief that true hospitality must always respect the local environment in which it exists.

One destination in particular left a lasting impression: Sabah in North Borneo.

“The Bajau people, also known as sea gypsies, left a huge impression on me. I hired many of them for my island resorts in Sabah. Their knowledge of the ocean and their ability to live in harmony with nature was astounding.”

For Tomas, this was more than an inspiring memory. It was a powerful reminder that local knowledge, traditions and ways of life are often the most valuable parts of a guest experience. They cannot be manufactured. They must be understood, respected and brought to life through people.

Another defining chapter came during his first General Manager role at Huka Lodge in New Zealand, where leadership became less about process and more about creating experiences rooted in authenticity, care and a genuine sense of place.

Bringing Local Spirit to Global Hospitality

For Tomas, A Whole World of Local is deeply personal. It reflects the belief that global hospitality is at its best when international experience meets genuine local understanding.

“It means emphasizing local know-how, vibe and trends, while combining them with the worldly expertise and culture that Valor brings.”

Having lived and worked in so many different countries, Tomas sees “local” not as a design feature or a marketing phrase, but as the soul of a destination. It is found in the people, the pace, the traditions, the food, the language, the welcome and the small details that make one place different from another.

That is why, for him, great hospitality is not about copying a successful concept from one market and placing it into another. It is about listening first. Understanding the culture. Respecting the community. Then using global experience to support, enhance and elevate what already makes that place special.

This belief sits at the heart of his approach to hospitality: bring international standards, but never lose the local spirit.

When asked to describe Valor in three words, Tomas answers: curious, trustworthy and fun.

Those words also reflect how he approaches new destinations. Curiosity allows us to learn. Trust allows us to connect. Fun reminds us that hospitality should always have heart.

The Details Guests Always Remember

Even after working across continents, some places continue to feel like home to Tomas. Copenhagen is one of those cities. “It’s a city I’ll never get tired of returning to.”

But what truly makes a destination memorable is often not the landmark or the luxury, but the people.“One small detail that instantly makes a place feel local to me is local people”. That human connection is also the first thing noticed when walking into any hotel. “Are all my senses responding positively to my arrival experience?” It is a perspective shaped by years of moving between cultures. The atmosphere, the energy, the scent, the sound, the welcome and the behaviour of the team all say something about a place before a single word is spoken.

Hospitality Is Warmth

Some hospitality moments stay with you forever because they are unexpected, generous and deeply personal.

“One experience I’ll never forget was being invited into a local stranger’s home and being treated like royalty.”

For Tomas, that moment captures hospitality at its best: generosity without expectation, sincerity without performance, and genuine human connection.

After decades in the industry, and after living and working across so many parts of the world, hospitality can still be summed up in one simple word: warmth.

And the best advice he has ever received?

“Plan A, Band C.”

Because while great hospitality may appear effortless, behind every seamless experience is preparation, adaptability and care.

In the end, A Whole World of Local is about understanding that every destination has its own rhythm, character and soul. For Tomas, years of cultural experiences have shaped the belief that the most memorable hospitality is never just about where you are. It is about the people, stories and traditions that bring that place to life.