All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Investment Monitor – Future of Tourism survey
How is your country reacting to Covid-19? Tell us via our short survey.
Where the locals go – an alternative to brands
It seems counterintuitive, but at a time when the hotel market has never been more brand-dominated and international, an unprecedented degree of emphasis is being placed upon local knowledge and a sense of place by operators and guests alike. How can international hotels best forge links with their local communities, and how independent and distinctive can head office allow these properties to be? Hotel Management international hears from Hasan Yigit, managing director of Jaz in the City at Deutsche Hospitality; Fredrik Korallus, CEO, Generator Hostels; and Brian McGuinness, global brand leader for Aloft, Element and Four Points at Starwood.
Give boutique a break – analysing a hospitality concept
In an increasingly crowded marketplace where even economy hotels sell themselves as lifestyle brands, does the boutique concept still mean anything? Patrick Kingsland asks Kike Sarasola, Room Mate Hotels founder and president, and Filip Boyen, chairman of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Perfecting preferences – maximising customer data
The hotel sector has long collected huge amounts of customer data from multiple sources. However, the argument has been made that many have underused it, failing to deliver the personalisation of service that guests increasingly demand. How can operators better access and leverage the information they hold? Jonathon Wardman, VP of CRM at Hilton Worldwide; Remy Merckx, VP marketing EMEA at Carlson Rezidor; and Riko van Santen, VP digital strategy and distribution at Kempinski, tell Abi Millar what constitutes a best-in-class strategy.
Lead, don’t follow – Hans Koch on the EHMA 44th Annual General Meeting
EHMA president Hans Koch discusses the key takeaways from the EHMA 44th Annual General Meeting, and how the hotel industry can stay ahead of the curve.
The age of automation – technology and the hospitality industry
With next-day delivery and smartphones now ubiquitous, the time has come for the hospitality industry to fully embrace automation. However, recent examples have proved that operators often struggle to thread the needle between utility and novelty in this area. Greg Noone talks to Steve Cousins, CEO of robotics firm Savioke, and Mamie Peers of The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas, about finding the right balance.
Blurred lines and changing times – the International Hotel Investment Forum Berlin
Brexit, President Trump, the rise of Airbnb – all were topics covered at the International Hotel Investment Forum Berlin. But despite such challenges to the marketplace, the mood at the event was one of cautious optimism, as Hotel Management International reports.
Show me the green – ecofriendliness vs cost-effectiveness
For newbuild hotels, finding an equilibrium between ecofriendliness and cost-effectiveness is a perennial challenge. Hotel Management International and Iris Ceramica invited European hotel development and design sector leaders for lunch at the Savoy to share their solutions.
A divergent portfolio – Carlson Rezidor’s diversification strategy
With 120 properties currently in development across EMEA, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is unmistakably in growth mode. Underpinning this is a strategy based on diversification, as Elie Younes, executive vice-president and chief development officer, explains.
Crème de la crème – Michael Gray
After almost 50 years in the hotel industry, Michael Gray retired from front-line service in March 2016. He began at Claridge’s, embarking upon a career that included stints in Paris, Singapore and Melbourne. Gray was appointed GM of the Churchill in 2004, adding the title of Hyatt International’s VP for UK and Ireland six years later. He remains the UK’s national delegate for EHMA.