All articles by antonica jones
antonica jones
All in good time: the big interview with Arne Sorenson
Marriott International has just created the biggest hotel group in history, but in Chicago a few days prior to the takeover, Arne Sorenson is keeping his cards close to his chest. Phin Foster looks into the ramifications of the Starwood deal, and talks to the president and CEO about corporate culture, empowering associates and the growth of the lifestyle space.
Top of the game: 2015 European Hospitality Awards
After months of applying, deliberating and judging, the winners of the 2015 European Hospitality Awards were announced at a gala evening in London. We take a look at who took this year’s crowns…
Community conscious: the city-integrated hotel
As the competition for talent heats up, and guests demand authenticity and a sense of place; local engagement is fast becoming an operational imperative. So, how can properties better integrate their surrounding communities and strike the delicate balance between identity, consistency and flexibility? Carrie Wicks, operations director at Firmdale Hotels, speaks to Oliver Hotham about the role hotels play in reshaping neighbourhoods and the challenges of this intimate approach to a new city.
Complexity of design: renovations with MKV Design
Since its launch in 1999, MKV Design has become a go-to design studio for hotel projects and resorts around the world, particularly for historical renovations. Founder and managing director Maria Katsarou Vafiadis talks to Abi Millar about some of the company’s recent commissions, including the renovation of the Hôtel Royal Savoy Lausanne and the upcoming Bürgenstock Resort.
Fit for purpose: hotel havens for fitness and well-being
With a growing number of brands advertising their credentials as havens for healthy and sustainable living, are guests searching for a more responsible hotel stay? Greg Noone talks to Michael Zager of TRYP by Wyndham and Starwood’s Brian McGuinness about how the operators are enhancing their guest’s sense of personal well-being.
Digital distribution: mobile platforms and tech spending
Technology is integral to the travel experience, and operators have enhanced their mobile platforms to better connect with their guests, working hard to get to grips with today’s complex distribution landscape. Elly Earls speaks to Marriott’s Osama Hirzalla, IHG’s Apurva Pratap and Mövenpick’s Paul Mulcahy to discuss where tech spending has been focused in 2015 and how priorities might shift in the year ahead.
Time for Turkey: the tourism boom
High levels of investment in tourism and a move to develop cities outside the country’s capital means the Turkish hospitality sector is booming. Patrick Kingsland looks at who’s investing in this European destination and why.
Europe hotel overview
With the end of 2015 in sight, Hotel Management International associate partner STR Global surveys the European hospitality market and highlights the areas to keep an eye on going into 2016.
Secure the future: security systems
New security technologies have the potential to enhance the safety and overall experience of guests, but effectively choosing and applying the right systems requires careful forethought. Security managers from London’s top hotels congregated in Mayfair for a Hotel Management International Dining Club, held in partnership with video surveillance leader Hikvision. Darren Carter, head of group security at Edwardian Group, led discussion on some of the latest innovations helping to keep guests and staff safe in today’s challenging environment.
Every trick in the book: online booking engines
Online booking engines have gone from being a boon to the bane of the hospitality industry. EHMA president Hans Koch discusses the problem and ponders how operators can wrest back control of room booking.