All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Italian job – the Marsa Malaz Kempinski
Inspired by Venice, located in Doha and designed by a Bangkok firm, the Marsa Malaz Kempinski has brought something entirely new to the Middle East. Oliver Hotham speaks with Khun Kongsak, project director at the Leo International Design Group, about his firm’s work on the Pearl’s very first five-star hotel, collaborating with developers and blending local styles with a classical aesthetic.
Asian fusion – Steve Leung’s design philosophy
Hong Kong-born architect and interior designer Steve Leung has won more than 100 design and corporate awards throughout his career, with commissions that include London’s Shangri-La at The Shard. His latest project, housed in Atlantis, The Palm Hotel & Resort, exemplifies an approach that has long fused the ethereal beauty of old China with the most modern of design touches. Elly Earls meets the contemporary style advocate to find out more about his hotel design philosophy.
The guest connection – next-generation hotel technology
Automation, intelligent design and connectivity are now the watchwords for hotel technology, resulting in a far simpler, more guest-driven experience than what was envisioned only a few years ago. James Wade speaks to IT leaders from Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental, and Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels about shifting expectations, invisible innovation and keeping pace with customers.
Kingdom of opportunity – unlocking Saudi Arabia’s rich potential
Saudi Arabia has the wherewithal to be one of the most exciting tourist destinations in the Gulf, but sensitivity to local needs and customs is vital to success. INHOCO’s CEO Rupprecht Queitsch explains how hoteliers should go about unlocking the region’s rich potential.
Spring forward – the challenges and rewards of mega-events
The FIFA World Cup and World Expo are exciting opportunities for Middle Eastern hospitality, but where are the major growth markets, what segments stand to benefit and how important are such mega-events for the hotel industry? Justine Rowntree investigates.
Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam set for 2016 opening
Park Inn by Radisson Amsterdam, Carlson Rezidor’s new European flagship property, has been acquired by a European-Israeli investor group and will welcome the first guests in 2016.
The big interview – Jean Gabriel Pérès
Jean Gabriel Pérès celebrates 15 years in charge of Mövenpick this year, but he is far more excited about what the future might bring. The chief executive sits down with Phin Foster to discuss Swiss virtues, new markets and why he’d like to stay in the hot seat for a while yet.
MINT condition – hospitality’s new frontiers
The BRIC narrative has dominated the hotel sector over the last decade but now a new group of countries – Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey (MINT) – have been picked out as future stars. Is MINT a useful acronym for looking at growth in the industry? And what does it mean for future investment in the BRIC nations? Hotel Management International finds out.
Land of opportunity – Qatar’s hotel and tourism industry
Qatar’s National Vision 2030 will see $210 billion invested in tourism infrastructure before this decade is out, creating unprecedented growth in the country’s hospitality sector. In ‘Travel and Tourism in Qatar to 2018’, Timetric – a leading provider of online data, analysis and advisory services on key growth economies and sectors – gives an overview of the country’s hotel and tourism landscape.
Meliá Hotels International launches travel agent portal
Meliá Hotels International has launched a new portal for travel agents. Featuring an easy-to-use booking engine, highly competitive rates and up to 16% commission on all bookings, MELIÁ PRO is designed to increase business for the company’s travel partners.