All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Open door policy – automation and security
The growing trend towards automating hotel processes, including self check-in and keyless room entry, seeks to streamline the guest experience and simplify operations. Alyssa Waxenburg, vice-president of mobile strategy at Starwood, and Geraldine Calpin, chief marketing officer of Hilton Worldwide, discuss to what extent it also presents security concerns, perceived and real, and how they can be overcome.
Well on the way – analysing the global wellness industry
The global wellness industry is now valued at over $3 trillion, with an increasing amount of focus and money being invested in spa and treatment centres. Partners from WATG and GA Design outline the current trends in wellness aesthetics, and look at how architects and interior designers can best serve this fast-growing market segment.
New school of thought – the evolution of the general manager
With competition increasing and technology proliferating, the role of the GM has evolved beyond recognition over recent years. Elly Earls meets award winners Ian Edwards, chief executive of Celtic Manor Resort; Panos Almyrantis, general manager of Daois Cove Luxury Resort & Villas; and Darren Gearing, executive vice-president and general manager at Shangri-La, to find out what tools a GM will need going forward.
The dreamcatcher – Thierry Despont
From Claridge’s to the Statue of Liberty restoration, Thierry Despont has never shied away from the ambitious. As he works on a cluster of high-profile hospitality and residential projects, the architect and designer speaks to Sarah Williams about the importance of marrying the two disciplines, bringing modern comfort to the grand dames of the hotel world, and how his tools as an artist help him give shape to his clients’ dreams.
Affordable tech – Rami Moukarzel and Laurent Voivenel
The way that guests use various digital platforms is transforming how hotel operators think about in-room technology. While digital transformation may sound daunting, it does not necessarily require vast amounts of investment. Instead, hoteliers need to be smarter about the way that tech is integrated into the guest experience. Sophie Peacock speaks to two senior members of the hotel management industry – Rami Moukarzel of the Louvre Hotel Group and Laurent Voivenel of Hospitality Management Holdings – about adopting simple tech solutions that will benefit hoteliers and guests.
The last outpost of authenticity – Oman’s hospitality scene
With a number of high-profile international arrivals within Oman’s hospitality scene, the government’s public-private financial model, which is aimed at driving investment, appears to be working. Sarah Williams speaks with Thierry Perrot, InterContinental’s new area general manager in Oman; Robert Kunkler, COO at Minor Hotel Group; and Gavin Samson, partner at Hotel Development Resources, to discuss opportunities in the capital and beyond.
Adapt to change – the evolution of the general manager
With new challenges in recruitment, technology, ownership models and financial demands, the role of general manager has undergone fundamental changes. Patrick Kingsland speaks to two of the region’s best – Kai Schukowski of Kempinski Hotel Ajman in the UAE and Katrin Herz of Al Bustan Palace in Oman – about their experiences in a rapidly evolving hotel landscape.
Diverse dining – the dining scene in the Middle East
The dining scene in the Middle East has never been more varied or competitive, making it crucial for food and beverage directors to outdo their rivals. Elly Earls speaks to three leaders in the region’s catering industry – Hilton Worldwide’s Simon Lazarus, Mövenpick’s Peter Drescher and Mark Patten from Atlantis, The Palm – to find out about prevalent trends and the secrets to maximising guests and external business.
Rooted in culture – the Assila Hotel in Jeddah
Rocco Forte’s Assila Hotel in Jeddah promises a modern and fresh take on Arabian hospitality. Greg Noone talks to Olga Polizzi, director of design and deputy chair of Rocco Forte Hotels, and interior designer Martin Brudnizki, about how the hotel’s design celebrates the culture and history of the city, and the challenges they faced when bringing this vision to life.
Wealth of wellness – the MENA spa industry
The MENA region is the second fastest-growing market in the world for spa operations, and its wellness tourism sector is quickly maturing. But how are operators seeking to consolidate and increase this growth? Hotel Management Middle East speaks to Daniella Russell, spa development and operations director at Soul Spa Concepts, and Paul Hawco, director of Talise Spa operations at Jumeirah, to answer this question.