All articles by julian turner
julian turner
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.
Hospitable environment – sustainability strategy
Whatever standard a hotel decides to pursue, accreditation from a global body is becoming a key component of any successful sustainability strategy. Leaders from Mövenpick, IHG and Fairmont speak to Patrick Kingsland about striking a balance between in-house initiatives and industry standards.
The service game – the changing role of the concierge
The traditional role of the concierge has changed, with guests at luxury properties expecting increasingly tailored services. Gerardo Gabat, chief concierge at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, and Ela Lanzanas, concierge supervisor at the Fairmont Dubai, explain how they accommodate every morally, legally and humanly possible request.
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.