All articles by Blatha
Blatha
It’s all in the mix
Bruno Moinard is one of the most sought-after designers working today. After cutting his teeth under Andrée Putman and Jean-François Bodin, he became celebrated in his own right for his elegant hotel restorations, including Rome’s legendary Hotel Eden. Andrea Valentino talks to Moinard and his partner Claire Bétaille about striking a delicate balance between tradition and modernity, and what guests want from luxury hospitality.
Talent comes from within
Learning and training programmes are the most efficient means of getting the best out of staff and can also be the safest means by which to ensure that they are less likely to leave. Ross Davies sits down with Rezidor’s Iñigo Capell and Matthew Schuyler of Hilton Worldwide to hear about how their respective groups are acquiring, maintaining and developing new talent.
Strength in numbers
While some elements of its federal election raised concerns, the return of Angela Merkel as chancellor reminds the world why Germany has become a byword for reliability and consistency, particularly during a period of political upheaval and crisis for a number of its European brethren. It is certainly a message that international hoteliers and investors are hearing loud and clear, with occupancy and development hitting impressive levels. Bradford Keen speaks with Kay Strobl of Christie & Co, Ulf Templin of PKF hotelexperts, and AccorHotels’ Volkmar Pfaff about the reasons behind the boom, and why they are confident it will continue.
Lighting the way
Hilton Worldwide is setting new standards for energy saving across its global portfolio. Hotel Management International talks to Max Verstraete, vice-president for corporate responsibility, about how the hotel operator’s LightStay initiative is helping to point the way towards sustainability in hospitality.
Safe as hotels
While depressing, it’s an unavoidable fact that hotels can sometimes be uncomfortable environments for solo female guests. How should operators ensure they recognise women’s security concerns and discreetly create safer spaces for those travelling alone? Abi Millar talks to Maiden Voyage founder Carolyn Pearson and Dukes Hotel Group’s managing director Debrah Dhugga.
Close the gap
Despite comprising the majority of the overall workforce, women are woefully under-represented in senior management positions in the hospitality industry. EHMA vice-president Verena Radlgruber-Forstinger explains how forward-thinking hotel operators are seeking to break down the barriers to female success.
Preparation is key
With the increase of terror attacks in recent years, hotels are under mounting pressure to ensure they have measures in place to protect guests and workers. Hotel Management International talks to Robin Rossman from STR, Paul Moxness of Carlson Rezidor and Even Frydenberg of Scandic about keeping hotels secure.
Europe on the up
After a period of uncertainty earlier in the decade, Europe’s hospitality industry has made steady progress in recent years. Our partners at STR Global share some of the highlights of a profitability overview of the sector.
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.