All articles by julian turner

julian turner

The new hot spot for hotel dining

Restaurant revenue as a proportion of total turnover for Middle Eastern hotels dwarfs levels found anywhere else in the world. Creating culinary destinations for guests and enticing visitors from elsewhere drives fierce competition between properties; in this exclusive round table, some of the region’s leading F&B directors explain how they are setting themselves apart in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Security service – using technology to keep hotel guests safe

Modern technology plays a pivotal role in keeping hotels secure and safe. Arup’s Gregoir Chikaher and Accenture’s Kevin Richards outline how the latest developments provide protection, and why operators must be suitably proactive without seeming alarmist.

Gateway to the East – inside the Turkish hotel sector

The Turkish hotel sector is thriving. Driven by burgeoning regional industries, a growth in domestic and international tourist numbers and domestic investors with deep pockets, operators are looking beyond the traditional stronghold of Istanbul and moving into secondary and tertiary cities. To determine where the next frontier for developing the region’s hospitality sector lies, Chris Godfrey speaks with senior figures from Hilton, Starwood and BDO Hospitality Consulting.

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.