All articles by chris cox
chris cox
European Hospitality Awards 2014
Now in its fifth triumphant year, the European Hospitality Awards once again brought together leading hoteliers from around the globe to London for a night that recognised and celebrated excellence throughout the sector in 2014.
In the hot seat – Hot.E 2014
Four of global hospitality’s leading figures got together to discuss the state of the hotel industry at this year’s Hotel Investment Conference Europe. Hotel Management International went down to hear from them first hand.
Chip off the old bloc – reimagining the Hotel Moskva
At the end of October, Four Seasons opened in Moscow at one of the most architecturally iconic hotels of the Soviet era; the strange thing is that it wasn’t built until 2012. Chris Godfrey speaks to Richmond International’s Fiona Thompson about painstakingly recreating the Hotel Moskva, which originally opened its doors in 1935, without compromising on the contemporary, luxury experience guests expect.
Catch the millennial bug: connecting with hotel guests
Hotels have long recognised the advantages of using the latest technology throughout their operations to provide high-class service to guests. Now though, the need to attract and retain the much heralded millennial traveller makes a comprehensive digital and social strategy essential, from check-in to inside the hotel suite and long after the guest departs. Hospitality leaders discuss how connecting with guests has developed beyond just excellent hospitality.
The big interview – Omer Kaddouri
When Selim El Zyr stood down from his role as president and CEO of Rotana after 22 years, one could be forgiven for wondering if it might rock the boat; however, Omer Kaddouri has proven to be the perfect heir. To mark his first year in the job, he sits down with Phin Foster to discuss the opportunities for growth in the Middle East, pushing into new markets and the benefits of coming up through the business.
Hotel loyalty schemes – play your cards rights
With operators reimagining their loyalty programmes, will there be greater affinity between guests and brands? Ross Davies speaks with John Muehlbauer, InterContinental Hotels Group’s head of strategy and planning – customer loyalty marketing, about IHG Rewards Club, the industry-wide improvements being made in personalised benefits, the influence of technology and the best metrics by which to gauge success.
Turn of the seasons – Four Seasons enters Dubai
Four Seasons’ first ever Dubai property occupies an 11-acre plot of land along the north end of the city’s exclusive Jumeirah Beach Road, with access to 270m of beachfront and close to some of its most iconic attractions. Mark Yoshizaki and Mike Chun of lead architects Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo speak with Oliver Hotham about their role in bringing one of hospitality’s most prestigious luxury brands to the UAE.
A world of difference – the Middle East hotel market
While investment levels in the Middle East are recovering, the pattern of spending and development clearly bears the marks of the global financial crisis that has sculpted it. Investment managers explain to Hotel Management Middle East how the emerging individuality of local markets and the emphasis of the contrasts between them are encouraging sustainable, tailored growth in the region.
At your service – the rise of serviced apartments in the Middle East
With demand growing globally for serviced apartments, hotel brands across the Middle East are scrabbling to invest in a fast-evolving market. Marc Descrozaille, regional director for UAE, Egypt and Jordan at Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group; Samer Khanfar, general manager for Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residences in Dubai; and Hala Choufany, regional managing director of HVS Dubai, discuss the growing significance of the sector and its scope for further expansion in the region.
Yuan matters – the growing importance of Chinese travellers
Over the past decade, outbound tourism from China has grown dramatically, becoming the world leader in terms of expenditure on international travel. But despite Dubai’s growing popularity, the Middle East receives a relatively modest share of Chinese tourism. Ross Davies sits down with Xu Jing and Amr Abdel Ghaffar of the World Tourism Organisation to discuss how best to attract this lucrative market.