All articles by Amit Thadani
Amit Thadani
Treat with care
With a recent study estimating that over two million adults in England may have had long Covid, efforts to improve the understanding of the condition are ongoing. To help patients recover, a number of wellness resorts are marketing treatments and therapies to long Covid sufferers, promising to combat the lingering effects of the virus. Abi Millar speaks to Nils Behrens, chief marketing officer at Lanserhof Resorts and the managing team at SHA Wellness clinics about the role hospitality venues can play in helping patients overcome long Covid.
Better times ahead
The European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) continues to support hoteliers, as it has done throughout the pandemic. Now, however, with vaccination campaigns in full swing and green passes awarded to specific European countries, there is hope that hotels can begin to return to normal. EHMA president Ezio A Indiani shares the latest news from the organisation and reflects on the recent recruitment issues hampering the hospitality industry.
Ghost in the kitchen
The past few years have been difficult for hotels, and arguably even worse for their kitchens. Without guests in dining rooms and even fewer ordering room service, the tight margins that hotel F&B had long relied on have shrunk. But with the pandemic closing in, hotel owners have at least been forced to think creatively, offering empty facilities to third parties. Andrea Valentino talks to Richie Karaburun, a professor in hospitality at NYU, and Fred DeMicco, a professor at Northern Arizona university, to understand the allure of ghost kitchens in the time of Covid-19, how outsourcing hospitality can be good for both hotels and their guests, and how the ghost kitchen phenomenon seems likely to continue even as the current crisis subsides.
Take the lead
After joining Marriott as a night auditor in 1988, Satya Anand has risen through the ranks at Marriott International during an impressive 33-year career. Now, as the newly appointed president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Anand faces his biggest task yet: helping Marriott recover from the damage inflicted by the Covid-19 pandemic; overseeing 948 hotels spread across 75 countries. Will Moffitt speaks to him about his prestigious career, his strategy in the wake of Covid-19 and his long-term vision for post-Covid recovery.
Into the fold
It’s no secret that staff shortages are causing problems in many industries, not just hospitality. But is it just the pandemic? In the UK, many of us suspect that Brexit has added to our staffing issues. Either way, we must do more to help sell and recognise hospitality as a viable profession, writes Jane Pendlebury, chief executive at HOSPA.
Industry insight
With more than 30 years’ experience within the industry, Duncan O’Rourke has held several executive positions in Europe, the US and the Middle East. Having served as general manager, regional director, and later chief operating officer at Kempinski, O’Rourke then joined Accor in 2016 – carving out a reputation as something of a specialist in the luxury hotel segment. More recently, he was promoted to CEO for Accor’s extended Northern Europe division, taking charge of 1,100 hotels across 30 countries. He tells Hotel Management International about the changing face of hospitality in the wake of the pandemic, and his enduring love of Italian motorbikes.
A better way to do business
As society continues to transition to more sustainable living patterns, hotel and hospitality venues can increasingly cater to an eco-conscious clientele. Whether hotels operate independently or are part of ambitious high-rise mixed-use developments, they can – and must – play a pivotal part in the circular economy. Jim Banks speaks to Rekha Toora, senior vice-president of EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) capital markets for hospitality at JLL, and Marie Fukudome, director of environmental affairs at Hyatt, about the importance of sustainability in investment strategies, and the design and build of new properties.
Radisson Collection launches new global art series with emerging artists to create art inspired by each hotel’s iconic location
Radisson Collection, Radisson Hotel Group’s premium lifestyle brand, is proud to announce a new series of global art collaborations working with local emerging artists to create a curated selection of immersive artwork and creative lifestyle experiences for guests to enjoy as the brand continues to expand its luxury portfolio with key flagship openings in an innovative and creative manner.
Groups360 to partner with PCI Security Standards council to help secure payment data worldwide
As Council’s Newest Participating Organization Groups360 to Contribute to The Development of PCI Security Standards
React Mobile Enlists Best Buy Business for Hospitality to Aid in Deployment of Panic Buttons and Beacons at Hotels Nationwide
React Mobile is leveraging Geek Squad® to help hotels meet the industry’s growing demand — and legislative requirements — for Employee Safety Devices