All articles by julian turner
julian turner
The way home – David Thompson
Only now he has a successful restaurant in Bangkok does David Thompson finally feel he understands Thai food. He tells Maida Pineda about his journey and his next project.
Class act – EHMA’s Hans Koch
Hotelstars Union sets pan-European standards for quality in hospitality. EHMA president Hans Koch explains why adhering to its system is vitally important for hoteliers, staff and guests.
The future of the front desk – modern hotel concierges
The concierge has a long history as guests’ primary point of contact in any smart hotel. But as visitors become more self-sufficient and adventurous in their travel habits, what is in store for the keepers of the keys? Abi Millar speaks to head concierges Michael de Cozar and Sonia Papet of the Ritz London and Hôtel Le Bristol respectively, and Emmanuel Vrettos, president of Les Clefs d’Or, about where the profession is heading.
Europe’s finest – the 2014 European Hospitality Awards
Now in its fifth year, Hotel Management International’s European Hospitality Awards has firmly established itself as one of the leading annual celebrations of the industry’s achievements. Judges this year include EHMA president Hans Koch; Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels’ global CEO, Mark Wynne-Smith; citizenM CEO Michael Levie; Ted Teng; CEO of Leading Hotels of the World; and Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne president André Witschi.
We’ll be welcoming the nominees, judges and many of our readers to London’s Hurlingham Club on 7 November. For more details, please visit www.arena-international.com/eha.
Come dine with us – the HMI breakfast briefing
The hospitality sector is increasingly focused on turning in-house restaurants into lucrative revenue centres, but with so much high street competition, persuading guests to eat in is a difficult task. Andrew Bennett, food and beverage director at The Park Lane Hotel, leads a discussion on innovative approaches to this common problem at the latest Hotel Management International breakfast briefing.
The guest connection – how technology informs hospitality
Despite much speculation on the transformative potential of new technologies, operators are increasingly going back to basics, harnessing the technological capabilities of their guests, rather than seeking to change the hotel experience. Monika Nerger, CIO of Mandarin Oriental; Ingvar Herland, general research manager of Peninsula Hotels; and Vineet Gupta, senior VP, technology, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, discuss why connectivity and accessibility are a top priority.
A question of loyalty – the relationship between guests and brands
With operators reimagining their loyalty programmes, will there be greater affinity between guests and brands? Ross Davies speaks to John Muehlbauer, InterContinental Hotels Group’s head of strategy and planning, customer loyalty marketing, about IHG Rewards Club, the industry-wide improvements being made in offering more personalised benefits, the influence of technology and the best metrics by which to gauge success.
Branding together – the luxury hotel arena
An increasing number of luxury names from beyond the hotel sector are tapping into large, affluent existing customer bases, and painting their dynamics and aesthetics across entirely new canvases. Hotel Management International hears from leaders from a number of key players, including Nobu, Armani and Versace.
Keen to be green – the Green Hotel of the Year
Many hotels are striving to reduce their carbon footprint and improve their sustainability, but who’s got the best eco-friendly credentials? Oliver Hotham takes a look at the seven nominees for Green Hotel of the Year, sponsored by SaveMoneyCutCarbon, at this year’s European Hospitality Awards.
Complementary technology – the integration of invisible gadgets
If the essence of the luxury experience is providing guests with the ability to enjoy absolute freedom, what role can technology play in enabling optimal levels of control without dominating, or even hindering, the experience? Patrick Kingsland meets Dorchester Collection’s Mark Campbell, Kempinksi’s Jeremy Ward and Starwood’s Michael Wale to discuss the integration of invisible gadgets.