All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Well met – the luxury spa experience
The wellness tourism sector is growing rapidly – in established and emerging markets – but how are operators seeking to consolidate and build on this? Patrick Kingsland speaks to Daniella Russell, spa development and operations director at Soul Spa Concepts, and Paul Hawco, director of Talise Spa operations at Jumeirah, to find out how bespoke treatments and tailored concepts are becoming an integral facet of the luxury experience, regardless of locale.
Bulli for you – Albert Adriá
In the wake of his first overseas project, Albert Adriá speaks to Tina Nielsen about being the creative force of elBulli, putting his name to more restaurants in Barcelona and the importance of expecting to fail.
A little luxury – modular construction techniques
Modular construction techniques offer a new way for developers and operators to not only minimise costs but also innovate in the use of room space. Greg Noone talks to Concrete’s Rob Wagemans, Jason Brown of Yotel and Hilton Worldwide’s Patrick Fitzgibbon about how off-site manufacture is fast becoming on trend.
Meeting expectations – EHMA’s 43rd AGM in Cyprus
Europe’s top hoteliers gathered in Cyprus in April for EHMA’s 43rd annual general meeting. Major topics of discussion included the evolution of the luxury experience and how best to engage the next generation of hotel leaders. Phin Foster travelled out to the Mediterranean island to hear from an association and its members committed to rising to the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly evolving hospitality landscape.
Domestic bliss – how technology is transforming housekeeping
Domestic work in hospitality has traditionally involved high staff turnover, largely due to the repetitive and physically demanding nature of the work combined with pressure to deliver clean rooms quickly at the lowest possible cost. This could be about to change, however, with technology transforming the business and streamlining processes. Oliver Hotham speaks with veterans of the profession to find out how the job is evolving and what effect that might have the guest experience.
Sound investment – Steigenberger’s Jaz in the City
Steigenberger is the latest group to enter the increasingly competitive Gen-Y segment with the launch of its Jaz in the City brand. Hotel Management International travelled to Amsterdam to attend the opening party and find out exactly what the operator is doing to differentiate Jaz from its lengthy list of competitors.
Green light – the hospitality industry in Ireland
It may have been the first eurozone member to enter recession following the 2008 downturn but, of all the countries to receive EU financial support in the aftermath of the banking crisis, Ireland is perhaps the only unqualified success story. The hospitality sector has had its part to play, but how sustainable is the segment’s current rate of growth and where do the greatest opportunities lie? Sarah Williams speaks to Maureen Bayley of Christie & Co, deputy CEO of Dalata Hotel Group Dermot Crowley and DTZ Sherry FitzGerald’s Kirsty Rothwell.
The soft sell – partnering with major operators
‘Soft branding’ is becoming increasingly popular, with more private hoteliers seeking to harness the distributing power and economies of scale offered by major operators, but how realistic is the idea of leveraging such benefits while retaining genuine independence? Abi Millar talks to hospitality leaders about how such deals can be made to work for all parties.
Clarity of purpose – Barceló CEO Raúl González
With a new multibrand strategy and plans to open 100 Chinese hotels in the next ten years, Barceló is demonstrating real ambition to join the league of global power players. Phin Foster sits down with CEO Raúl González to discuss the challenges and benefits of growing a family-owned company, his willingness to still invest in property and why the group has unfinished business in China.
Britain after Brexit – STR Global
The UK’s hotel industry is in the midst of 30 consecutive months of average RevPAR growth, but June’s decision by referendum to exit the European Union makes the future outlook extremely uncertain. Our partner STR Global studies the possible scenarios.