All articles by chris cox
chris cox
No alarms and no surprises
Modern technology plays a pivotal role in keeping hotels secure and safe. Arup’s Gregoir Chikaher and the Information Systems Security Association’s Kevin Richards speak to Hotel Management International about how the latest developments provide protection and why operators must be suitably proactive without seeming alarmist.
GM evolution: being a modern general manager
As new technologies proliferate and competition grows fiercer, the role of the general manager has undergone dramatic changes. Abi Millar talks to Dorchester Collection CEO Christopher Cowdray; Jean-Luc Naret, managing director of Heritage Resorts; and Johanna Fragano of the European Hotel Managers Association about the greatest challenges currently facing those on the front line of hospitality – and how they are being overcome.
Hilton prepares for public offering
Hilton Worldwide has filed to raise $1.25 billion in an initial public offering. The stock market launch could become the largest ever in the hotel industry if it exceeds Hyatt’s 2009 $1.09-billion offering.
Great technological expectations: Global Hotel Industry Survey
More than ever before, hoteliers’ understanding of new technologies is dictating market success. In ‘Global Hotel Industry Survey 2013: Emerging Trends in Technology, Sustainability, Health and Wellness Tourism’, Timetric – a leading provider of online data, analysis and advisory services on key growth economies and sectors – provides an overview of the current investment landscape.
New CEO for Accor
Accor Hotels has appointed Sébastien Bazin as its fourth chief executive officer since 2006 in what is being interpreted as a further effort to speed up its asset disposal strategy.
A pointed strategy
How does one bring independent hotels under a global loyalty scheme without them losing their individuality? Susan Devine, Preferred Hotel Group’s executive vice-president for Europe, speaks to Will Hawkes about the importance of consultation and how one ensures that standards remain high.
Billionaire set to buoy market
Wang Jianlin, China’s wealthiest man, is looking to buy hotel management companies in ten different cities including New York and London. The news gave a boost to shares in Marriot International and Starwood, which climbed 3.2% and 1.4% respectively.
Suite talk
Synonymous with presidents, oligarchs, royalty and rock stars, the luxury suite has long enabled hotel owners and designers to dream big and go large. Whether it’s installing helipads, private pools, bowling lanes or multimillion-pound art collections, the challenge is to exceed expectations and create unique experiences. Hotel Management International profiles five of the finest examples, all shortlisted for Best Hotel Suite at the European Hospitality Awards 2013.
Corporate rates on the rise
Average corporate hotel rates showed a year-on-year increase for the first half of 2013 in the majority of global markets, according to Hogg Robinson Group’s interim hotel survey.
Enrique Aranda Morilla: home fixture
Enrique Aranda Morilla likens his appointment as hotel manager at Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona in May 2012 to being signed to the city’s all-conquering football club. Before joining Hilton, he held several management positions at Barceló Group, overseeing properties in Seville, Oviedo and San Sebastián, but now considers Barcelona his base.