All articles by antonica jones
antonica jones
A greener goal: industry sustainability
Whatever standard a hotel decides to pursue, accreditation from a global body is becoming a vital component of any successful sustainability strategy. Leaders from Mövenpick, IHG and Fairmont speak to Patrick Kingsland about striking a balance between in-house initiatives and industry standards.
Secure integration: hotel security
How does an operator best go about entrenching security and safety across a hotel’s entire operations? A solid strategy should be based on interdepartmental collaboration, training and technology, from the front desk to the back office, as Ross Davies reports.
Growth by design: Morgans Hotel Group and ‘high design’
Having opened a third London property and debuted in Istanbul last year, with another two Turkish projects in the pipeline and plans for hotels in Qatar and Dubai, Morgans Hotel Group is ramping up its international presence. Tony Machado, vice-president design and construction, tells Sarah Williams how the company uses high design to fuse local lifestyle with creative communities.
Dine under the Stars: a shift in restaurant management
Star power has long been a proven means of attracting diners to a hotel restaurant. But with the degree of command operators have to cede to big-name chefs and restaurateurs, not to mention revenue, an increasing number are looking at developing in-house dining concepts and reclaiming control. Elly Earls speaks to IHG’s Pascal Gauvin and Hilton Worldwide’s Simon Lazarus about whether we might be witnessing a marked shift in the way hotels conceive and manage their restaurants.
A league of its own: Hotel Football
Michael Jones catches up with GG Hospitality’s management team after the opening of Hotel Football in March and finds the brand match-fit and in fine form.
Modern management: report from the 42nd annual EHMA general meeting
The world of online reviews and digital comparison can strike fear into the hearts of general managers, with luxury hotels by no means immune. However, as the European Hotel Managers Association (EHMA) congregated in Geneva for its 42nd annual general meeting, entitled ‘Communication revolution’, guests heard how rediscovering the human heart of hospitality could provide the answer. Sarah Williams reports.
More than a manager: Stefan Fuchs
German national Stefan Fuchs has been in the hotel industry for more than 15 years, working for well-known luxury brands such as Ritz-Carlton and Kempinski hotels. He first joined Jumeirah in 2006, working at Madinat Jumeirah for three years as director of food and beverage. In 2010 he was appointed hotel manager at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers to assist with the pre-opening, and was promoted to general manager last year.
Expansion strategy: Rezidor executive vice-president Elie Younes
Rezidor’s development strategy continues apace, with a renewed push into fast-growing economies and consolidation of its presence in established markets. Newly promoted executive vice-president and chief development officer Elie Younes talks about his strategy, the challenges of maintaining such a large pipeline, and the new, youth-oriented Radisson Red brand.
Mind the gap: gender imbalance in senior leadership
Despite the gender split being relatively even within the hotel sector as a whole, there remains a marked imbalance when it comes to women in senior leadership positions. What are the reasons behind this anomaly, and what can be done to help rectify the situation? Abi Millar asks industry leaders how close hospitality is to attaining full gender parity.
Experience counts: Rudi Jagersbacher
With the biggest development pipeline in the region, Hilton Worldwide has emerged as a dominant force within the Middle East’s hotel sector – a rise overseen by regional president Rudi Jagersbacher. He talks to Phin Foster about mid-market opportunities, talent development and why he’ll always be a hotelier at heart.