All articles by Blatha
Blatha
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.
Simple genius: the perfect kitchen design
Hide was one of the most keenly awaited restaurant openings of the year, and its blend of fine dining with a relaxed atmosphere is just what star chef Ollie Dabbous intended. However, in order to realise his vision, getting the kitchen design right was a fundamental element. Jim Banks speaks to him and Ed Bircham, an associate member of the Foodservice Consultants Society International, about bringing to life a chef-led vision of simplicity, serenity and style.
A catalyst for change: women and hospitality
Although hotel companies have no problem attracting women, they are failing to provide the necessary support for them to progress to senior positions. Elly Earls meets Women in Hospitality 2020 chair Tea Colaianni; Marriott International’s president and managing director for Europe, Amy McPherson; Whitbread CEO Alison Brittain; and IHG’s VP for global talent, Louise Byrne, to find out what steps are being put in place to correct the balance.
Hitting new heights: airport hotels
There was a time when the airport hotel was a straightforward concept: a property focused on short-stay business guests looking for nothing more than the basics. But over the past few years, a number of operators have sought to draw in travellers through selling points beyond mere convenience. What should a 21st-century airport hotel look to achieve? Abi Millar asks David Marr, SVP and global head of full service brands at Hilton, citizenM CMO Robin Chadha and Yotel CEO Hubert Viriot.
The full treatment
From city-centre grande dames to beachside hideaways, the spa has become a must for guests looking to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. But should operators aspire to carving out a niche for their wellness offering, or is it better to strive for something more universal? Rosewood’s Niamh O’Connell, Accor’s Andrew Gibson and ESPA founder Susan Harmsworth share their insights with Ross Davies.
Radical change for Carlson Rezidor
Over the past year, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has seen a change and reshuffling of its management, as well as a new strategic road map. Eric de Neef, the newly appointed executive vice-president, global chief branding and commercial officer, tells Abi Millar where the hotel group is setting its sights, and discusses how he and his colleagues are grappling with some of the industry’s key challenges.
Hot off the press
Four leaders from a diverse range of business backgrounds gathered onstage at the 2017 Hotel Investment Europe Conference in September to discuss security, branding strategies and the overall state of the industry. Hotel Management International was at London’s Hilton Bankside to hear from Peter Fulton of Hyatt, Claus-Dieter Jandel of Deutsche Hospitality, Bernold Schroeder of Kempinski Hotels and Jean-Jacques Dessor of AccorHotels.