All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Be my guest – Hans Koch discusses independent brands
In the world of hospitality – where huge groups, chains and brands dominate, and booking engines skim the top layer off margins – staying competitive as an independent hotelier may seem daunting. But there remains a strong captive segment of travellers looking for that individual touch and myriad means to attract them. EHMA president Hans Koch discusses the issue.
Foncière des Régions buys 18 European hotels
FDM Management, a subsidiary of French real-estate giant Foncière des Régions, has taken control of two hotel portfolios – 18 hotels in total – for the sum of €936 million.
Of MICE and MENA – attracting business to the GCC
Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions can be hugely profitable for hotel operators in countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, but they need to market the region as a destination of choice for this type of business. Rod James speaks to industry leaders about the available opportunities and persistent challenges.
Safer with the sovereign – financing in Middle Eastern hospitality
Sovereign wealth funds play an important role in the Middle Eastern hotel business and help to finance major projects at home and abroad. But with stagnant oil prices and tighter budgets, how good a bet is the hotel market still thought to be? Oliver Hotham speaks to Chiheb Ben-Mahmoud from Jones Lang LaSalle, Nigel Teasdale from Arc Consulting Partners and Philip Shepherd from PWC about the state of financing in Middle Eastern hospitality.
Berlin court upholds ban on short-term rentals
An administrative court in Germany’s capital has upheld the provincial government’s decision to restrict private property rentals through websites like Airbnb in a move expected to bolster a hotel industry concerned about the rise of the sharing economy.
Brexit vote puts UK industry in tricky territory
The decision in June by British voters to leave the European Union could have major knock-on effects on the British hospitality sector, according to STR Global in a report released on the day the UK went to the polls.
Attention to details – the 2016 International Hotel Investment Forum
Headline deals, Brexit fears, global security and outspoken industry leaders: this year’s International Hotel Investment Forum was the place to be for anyone wanting to take the temperature of the hospitality sector as we embark upon an exciting and challenging year. Hotel Management International reports from the front lines.
Rocco’s modern life – Olga Polizzi
Rocco Forte Hotel’s chief designer, Olga Polizzi, is responsible for the design and refurbishment of over 400 hotel rooms a year. Her most recent project, the Assila Hotel in Jeddah, is set to open this year.
The friend zone – how technology is changing budget accommodation
With electronic devices fast taking over employees’ menial tasks and allowing guests to control their stay with the touch of a button, the concept of a hotel run without human personnel is no longer consigned to the realms of science fiction. Hotelier Johannes Eckelmann speaks to Sophie Peacock about how his latest venture, Hotel Buddy, is harnessing technology, minimising staff and potentially changing the face of budget accommodation.
A tale of two cities – Hélène Darroze
With Michelin-starred restaurants in the French and UK capitals, as well as multiple media commitments and a young family, time is a particularly valuable commodity for Hélène Darroze. The chef speaks to Jackie Mitchell about balancing her working life between Paris and London.