All articles by Blatha
Blatha
Soft sells
Soft brands have enjoyed significant success in the luxury segment in recent years, but a number of operators are switching their focus to independent midscale hoteliers, launching new offerings that promise the retention of independence and the ability to leverage global scale. What accounts for this shift, and how can the concept be adapted for a segment more associated with consistency and standardisation? Patrick Kingsland speaks to Philippe Bijaoui of Wyndham, Hilton’s Mark Nogal and hotel consultant Bjorn Hanson.
Size does matter
Global brands are betting big on small hotel rooms in an effort to appeal to the younger generation of travellers who want an affordable experience that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or privacy. Hilton’s Tripp McLaughlin, Premier Inn’s Carlo Del Mistro and Pod Hotels’ Richard Born make small talk with Elly Earls.
Under the influence
The rising popularity and influence of Instagram means hotels must invest in striking and unique design to attract customers. Hotel Management International hears from experts on the Instagram effect and the steps designers need to take to maximise this new source of exposure.
All’s well that starts well
The wellness industry is booming and hotels at all levels are looking to benefit. However, increased opportunities also mean an increasingly savvy guest demographic demanding something genuinely new and different. Paul King speaks to global spa leaders about the challenges of meeting those demands and why operators must adopt a ‘software approach’ when it comes to devising and delivering appropriate programming.
Elie Younes: Bring it to fruition
Elie Younes, EVP and CDO of Radisson Hotel Group, is managing a new brand identity, corporate restructuring and marked changes in developmental strategy, mean he is a very busy man. Abi Millar meets the hotel exec to talk about a shift of focus back onto Europe, a renewed willingness to consider leases, what he is looking for in new development partners, and the importance of brand purity.
A different take: Firmdale Hotels
As the founders and leaders of Firmdale Hotels, Kit and Tim Kemp are among the industry’s most influential boutique hoteliers. Phin Foster hears them speak about the importance of maintaining their own spheres of control, taking a personalised approach to hotel development and why it sometimes pays to do things a little differently.
Big issues: London’s Hotel Investment Conference Europe
Delegates recently convened in London for the latest Hotel Investment Conference Europe. Subjects for discussion included new growth opportunities, shifting investor profiles and the need for developers and hoteliers to think more creatively. Inevitably, however, one topic loomed above all others. Hotel Management International reports.
The age of consent: European GDPR
The European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance deadline has passed, requiring every hotel in the world to have guidelines in place that protect EU residents’ personally identifiable information against security breaches. Six months down the line, however, reports are coming through of some operators managing the scale of these demands better than others. Robert Holland, chief technology adviser to the British Hospitality Association, and GDPR expert Nick Crawford discuss the challenges with Patrick Kingsland.
Reality check: AR technology
Augmented reality platforms have emerged as new marketing and operational tools in recent years, allowing hotels to preview and enhance their pre-existing selling points, and possibly offer whole new ones. But to what extent do these tools lean more towards gimmickry than utility, and what might the next generation of AR and VR solutions provide in terms of added value? Tim Gunn assesses how hotels can best augment their approaches.
Ports of call: hospitality growth in Portugal
Lisbon and Porto have experienced unprecedented hotel growth over the past decade. But how much longer can it last? Greg Noone talks to Gustavo Castro, the head of Colliers International’s office in Porto, and Jorge Rebelo de Almeida, the managing director of Portuguese hotel group Vila Galé, to find out more.