All articles by Blatha
Blatha
Push it forward
The priorities and requirements of guests change rapidly, and hoteliers need to stay alert in order to provide for their needs. Accor Hotels president of Europe Franck Gervais, COO and founder of citizenM Michael Levie, Hilton president of EMEA Simon Vincent, and Andrea Jones, senior vice-president of international development at Marriott, discuss the ways their brands remain focused on the operations of the future.
In the face of adversity
Despite ongoing political and financial instability within the country at large, the numbers for the Italian hotel market continue to look relatively healthy. However, with transaction volumes down this year compared with 2017 levels, how is the investor profile changing, where are they looking to get deals done and how attractive is the hospitality segment compared to other real-estate opportunities? With the help of Colliers International, Hotel Management International takes stock.
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.
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.
All’s well that starts well: architecture’s role in hospitality
Wellness architecture is the process of designing buildings that make their inhabitants healthier and happier. Elly Earls meets architects Veronica Schreibeis Smith and Julia Monk to find out what this means in a hospitality context, and why wellness needs to be a part of design discussions from day one.
An era of growth: Spain’s hotel industry
According to a recent study by Magma Hospitality Consulting and STR, thanks to the strong performance growth in several markets, Spain’s hotel industry has seen a surge in investment interest despite the political situation in Barcelona.
Embracing environmental responsibility: no plastic
Rising awareness of single-use plastics’ environmental impacts has led hotel operators to introduce strategies to outlaw their use across their properties. Grace Allen asks Daniella Foster, Hilton’s senior director of corporate responsibility, and Marié Fukudome, Hyatt’s director of environmental affairs and corporate responsibility, about their sustainability strategy and the reduction of plastics.
Staying competitive: the luxury hotel business
EHMA president Hans Koch looks at the challenges of remaining relevant and competitive in a changing hotel landscape.
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.