All articles by Blatha
Blatha
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.
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.
Culture of success
Deutsche Hospitality now accounts for 130 hotels in operation and under development across three continents, but it was not always thus. Claus-Dieter Jandel, chief development officer, speaks to Phin Foster about why an internal cultural shift was necessary in order to make such global expansion possible, how his decades of experience within the company helped deliver it, and why Deutsche must never lose sight of its founding German values, even as it evolves into a truly international operator.
Softly does it
Once the preserve of the luxury tier, new soft brands that sit squarely in the mid to upscale market are targeting an untapped pool of hoteliers who value their independence but want the reach and reassurance of a global chain. Elly Earls meets Hilton’s Mark Nogal, Wyndham’s Philippe Bijaoui and consultant Bjorn Hanson to find out whether one can ever really have the best of both worlds.
Always follow your heart
Striking out on your own is risky in any business, let alone fine dining, but the potential rewards are rich. Basque culinary pioneer Eneko Atxa shares the philosophy that has brought his Azurmendi restaurant near Bilbao worldwide acclaim and three Michelin stars.
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.