All articles by antonica jones
antonica jones
Amid the rouble: the Russian market
For years Russia was described as the most exciting region in Europe for hotel operators and developers looking to quickly expand their pipelines. But with an intractable conflict in Ukraine and an economic crisis hitting the Russian economy, is the market as attractive as it once was? Patrick Kingsland investigates.
Russia revs up for football fever
Tourism in today’s Russia is primarily business related. International and local hotel chains are continuously planning new projects to increase capacity as the country prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018. Noppen’s Third Annual Russia Hotel Expansion Summit provided a platform for players in the hospitality industry to come together and share ideas.
Budapest hosts hospitality summit
The Leaders in Hospitality CEE and CIS Summit once again promotes regional collaboration among top hoteliers.
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.
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.