All articles by julian turner
julian turner
Light at the end of the tunnel – the Greek hospitality market
More than half a year on from the bailout, the long-term outlook for the Greek economy remains shrouded in uncertainty. But how has its famed hospitality sector weathered the storm? Oliver Hotham speaks with Robert Koren of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Carlson Rezidor’s Gianleo Bosticco, GBR Consulting’s Stefan Merkenhof, and PwC’s Dr Costas Mitropoulos to find out what role international operators play in the recovery.
The apartment: a new service
The European serviced-apartment sector seems poised to undergo a boom but is being held back by confusion among investors on what offerings really fall under the definition. Greg Noone talks to the CEO of Visionapartments, Anja Graf; Diane Mayer, global brand manager for Residence Inn by Marriott; and HVS director Arlett Hoff about the prospects for the sector’s future expansion.
Manage uncertainty – the third-party model
European attitudes towards third-party operators are shifting as the franchise model continues to gather momentum and a number of hotel owners become more willing to farm out management control. Rod James looks at the economic drivers behind this, what makes for the right partner and where the most value can be found.
The edge of tomorrow – inside the European hotel market
Last year saw record levels of investment in the European hotel market, but following a mixed start to 2016, should alarm bells be ringing or are the good times here to stay? Mark Wynne Smith, global CEO at Jones Lang Lasalle Hotels & Hospitality, and Nick van Marken, global head of hospitality at Deloitte, give Patrick Kingsland their thoughts.
In the driving seat – Rezidor president and CEO Wolfgang Neumann
Following its strongest year since the downturn, Rezidor’s sights are set firmly on further growing its presence in emerging markets, and optimising its cost base and organisational structure. President and CEO Wolfgang Neumann speaks to Phin Foster about the value of partnerships, establishing local ties and growing new brands.
Europe hotel overview – STR Global
As Q1 2016 draws to a close, Hotel Management International associate partner STR Global surveys the European hospitality lanscape, takes stock of the past decade’s growth and looks at the pipeline room count for the continent.
Beyond the stars – luxury hospitality trends
EHMA president Hans Koch examines the drivers and trends of luxury hospitality as a result of the rise of ultra high-net-worth individuals.
Perfectly frank – Oetker Collection CEO Frank Marrenbach
Oetker Collection is acquiring masterpieces at an unprecedented rate, having more than doubled in size over the past three years, and it has an ambition to acquire ultra luxury properties in an array of new geographies. CEO Frank Marrenbach speaks to Phin Foster about relaunching the Lanesborough, the changing nature of his role, staying true to European heritage and the privilege of being able to say ‘no’.
Out of service – the decline of in-room dining
As room service revenue declines, hotels are beginning to cut back on what was once seen as a staple of hospitality. So could this be the end for old-school in-room dining? Oliver Hotham speaks to experts with competing views – the Lanesborough’s Geoffrey Gelardi, citizenM’s Michael Levie and the London Marriott Park Lane’s Nicolas Kipper – about the uncertain future of one of the hotel industry’s most loved traditions.
The personal touch – hotel mobile strategies
Hotel mobile platforms are creating an increasingly advanced climate of technologically aided hospitality. Sophie Peacock speaks to Starwood’s Alyssa Waxenberg and Lennert de Jong of citizenM about how mobile strategies are enhancing the guest experience by handing control over to customers.